Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Has the delegation found that to be the case? How would it encourage this Government to recognise the cultural relationships and attitudes of certain countries to development, including China?

When one thinks of Ireland one thinks of food produce, Bord Bia, indigenous successes, tourism and education. Does the authority play a role, for example, in education? As we all know, there is a huge benefit to be gained from every foreign student registered in an English language or, better still, a third level educational institution. Last week speakers attended here who were very critical of the uncoordinated behaviour of the universities and colleges of technology in these countries. It was claimed they competed with each other instead of waving the tricolour on behalf of Ireland Inc. Perhaps the issue is not in the field of expertise of the authority but if it is then please answer my query.

We are targeting newly emerging and healthy economies. Does the authority confront, is it aware of or how does it handle institutional corruption? We are aware that many of the countries in the world are emerging democracies. In addition, cultural attitudes to power and corruption is more prominent in emerging countries than in established western democracies. Does the authority play a role in promoting business? How difficult is it for business to operate in countries that the authority operates in now? Has it seen elements of corruption?