Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:32 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the Global Irish Economic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20883/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 May 2010
Ceisteanna (39)
Freagraí scríofa
The success of the Global Irish Economic Forum held in September 2009 has had a transformative impact on Ireland's relationship with leading members of the Irish Diaspora.
Extensive efforts have been taken by my Department, other Departments, the State Agencies and the private sector to advance the various initiatives that emerged from its deliberations and to further enhance the practical connections between the Irish at home and abroad.
The follow-up process has been overseen by an inter-Departmental Committee of senior officials which was established last November. In March, a detailed six month Progress Report was published which contains specific updates in respect of a wide range of initiatives that have been taken since the Forum in areas as diverse as innovation; greentech; Diaspora engagement; culture, financial services; tourism, energy and food. As part of this follow up process, the Government has also provided funding of $3.4 million for a landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York and over $250,000 for the Irish Technology Leadership Group in Silicon Valley. Significant progress has also been made in the private sector towards the establishment of the Farmleigh Overseas Graduate Programme.
Evidence of the significant impact made by the Forum is not confined to the Progress Report. The broad economic policies that were advocated by many participants were reflected significantly in Budget 2010. The Farmleigh follow-up process has also assisted other work underway across Government, including the implementation of the Building Ireland’s Smart Economy strategy and the recommendations of the Innovation Task Force.
The establishment of the new Global Irish Network in February provides an important mechanism for building on the work begun at Farmleigh. The Network includes some of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad and provides Ireland with an invaluable resource of international expertise from which we can draw as we work towards our economic recovery. I am convinced that this direct access to key private-sector decision makers across the globe has the potential to deliver real, tangible economic benefits for the Irish at home and abroad.
Meetings of the Network have already been held this year in London, Paris, Germany, and the UAE, with further meetings planned later in the year for Shanghai and New York. Participants at these meetings have all underlined the galvanising effect the Global Irish Economic Forum has had on the leading members of our Diaspora. They have also stressed that, taken together with the difficult but necessary corrective steps the Government has taken to address our financial situation, the Network and the Forum have helped instil a greater sense of belief and optimism abroad that Ireland can overcome the current economic challenges. Network members have also reiterated the importance of Irish culture in the promotion of Ireland throughout the world.
More broadly, I believe that since the Forum a new and more widespread acceptance has emerged throughout the public and private sectors of the potential that exists within the relationship between Ireland and its Diaspora. The Government is determined to maximise this opportunity through the Global Irish Network and the ongoing work of the Emigrant Support Programme. I believe that the Network should be regarded not just as an instrument of Government, but as a valuable national asset. I am therefore keen to work with members of the Opposition, the business community and other key stakeholders in order to ensure that its full potential is utilised.