Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We sought, and I believe we will have, a successful outcome to those discussions. At that point, it will be up to all parties that believe in active, positive and self-confident Irish participation at the heart of the European Union to take their case to the people. There will be a lengthy debate in the Oireachtas and we intend this to be held in a very constructive atmosphere. In addition, we intend that the public will be kept fully informed at all stages of the process. At the same time we will continue to intensify our work across Government to show the international community that Ireland remains a strong country with which and in which to do business. Together with the Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance, I have been working to ensure we use every possible opportunity to promote Ireland internationally. The staff and agencies of our Departments are working together closely and the feedback is very positive. There have been many difficult areas but we have found that people are willing to listen to the details of what has happened and what has been done in response.

My Department has made strong efforts and has worked hard through our embassies and consulates to promote a positive picture of Ireland. We also attach a high value to developing Ireland's relationship with its diaspora and communities across the world. It is vital we harness that resource. As Members know, I am proceeding with a new strategy for engaging productively with the global Irish community. A key element of that is the global economic forum which will be held at Farmleigh from 18 to 20 September. The convening of the forum constitutes a major and innovative undertaking by the Department. It is a national effort of outreach to and engagement with the most successful members of our global diaspora. We will bring together for the first time the most influential members of the Irish community worldwide with a record of high achievement in business, politics, culture and sport, as well as a number of individuals with a strong business connection to Ireland.

The primary purpose of the forum will be to explore how the Irish at home and abroad and those with a strong interest in Ireland can work together and contribute to our overall efforts at economic recovery. Our discussions will also focus on the practical initiatives that will bring stronger, mutually beneficial links between Ireland and its diaspora. It will also have a broader idea-generating remit, examining ways, for example, in which Ireland can become a leader in innovation and how we can harness to our best advantage Irish culture as a global brand. We have received a very positive response to the initiative from those invited and look forward to a significant weekend for the country in September. The initiative is an illustration of the kind of work we are doing in terms of responding to the economic crisis to move the country forward towards a position of hope and recovery. Eventually, we hope to enjoy a strong position as an export oriented economy.

Meanwhile, the rhetoric of the Opposition has demonstrated it takes, and will continue to take, the worst possible interpretation of every development. However, the unprecedented measures which have been taken to tackle -----

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