Micheál Martin
Question:116. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the meetings he held in or around the Global Economic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41828/13]
View answerTuesday, 19 November 2013
Questions (116)
Written answers
The 3rd Global Irish Economic Forum took place on the 4th and 5th of October and brought together members of the Global Irish Network and the Government, along with heads of third level institutions and semi-state bodies. The Forum discussion was very focussed on this occasion, with attendees being asked to consider the contribution that the Forum and the Global Irish Network could make to the Action Plan on Jobs. I attended the Forum and spoke at the opening session, and the closing Plenary alongside the Taoiseach. I also participated in a panel discussion on the theme 'Opportunities for Ireland in the UK and Europe', as well as a number of the closed-session working groups. As part of a commitment arising from the 2011 Forum to bring more tangible benefits of the Global Irish Economic Forum to indigenous Irish companies, I also participated in a side-event to the Forum which brought over 100 Irish SMEs together with Global Irish Network members to discuss scaling up for global business. The SMEs were drawn from Enterprise Ireland client companies, as well as officials and companies from Northern Ireland who were brought together by InterTrade Ireland.
Also attending the Forum this year was Helene Conway-Mouret, Minister for French Nationals Abroad. Minister Conway-Mouret has a long connection with Ireland, having lived here for many years. I took the opportunity to have a formal meeting with the Minister en marge of the Forum.