Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade

Economic Recovery: Discussion with Chambers Ireland

2:50 pm

Photo of Seán CroweSeán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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I was talking about Government websites. The delegates referred to welcoming the opportunity to explore the potential of designating Chambers Ireland as a competent authority. Will Mr. O'Mahony expand on that point? Where are the difficulties? Will there be difficulties with the Department of Justice and Equality or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade? Where else is this happening?

The delegates referred to St. Patrick's Day and we all know about brand Ireland. It happens over the course of a weekend, but then that is it. What do we need to do differently? Does Fáilte Ireland need to place a substantial number of advertisements on television? Should promotions be undertaken? Politicians are already travelling. Is there an added element required in the lead-up to St. Patrick's Day and on the day?

What is the relationship between Chambers Ireland and the Department since the latter took on the responsibility for trade promotion? How would Mr. O'Mahony characterise the relationship?

Mr. O'Mahony talked about having the smallest cohort of embassies. Where does he see development on this point? People talk about new markets and their importance, but we are also told embassies need to be linked with trade promotion. Given the volume of trade between the United States and Ireland and the importance of Silicon Valley, perhaps it would be more beneficial if we had four or five more people working in that area. What other countries is Mr. O'Mahony looking to open up if he had the opportunity?