Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There are no offices and so on attached to the position of cultural ambassador. The new ambassador will work closely with the Government, with Culture Ireland and with artistic bodies to develop a vision that is inclusive of the Irish diaspora throughout the world. It is about how we can promote culture on its own intrinsic merit to expand the footprint of the country worldwide, so that people can know who and what we are. There are also economic ties to culture, such as cultural events and the impact they make. There are many prominent Irish people involved in the cultural life of many societies around the world. The US contains a huge part of the business of culture, otherwise known as the entertainment industry.

Mr. Gabriel Byrne is somebody who can assist Ireland in that respect. He will work with Culture Ireland and with artistic bodies. He will be involved in trying to make sure that we assist in funding for the new arts theatre in New York. There is a range of issues involved, but it is open for Mr. Byrne to use those issues. These bodies will work with him on how to use his personage as a means of promoting our country and our culture in the US and elsewhere. He may not be our only cultural ambassador in the future, as others might be of assistance as well. It provides an outlet for the diaspora to contribute in a meaningful way to modern Ireland.

The second question was on fiscal issues. On my first meeting with President Obama last year, he made it clear when I raised this issue - and perhaps it was more current, not long after his inauguration - that he does not regard Ireland as being among the countries that he would have in mind. He was talking about those where people name-plate their operations and use such jurisdictions for fiscal purposes. That is an issue which is not only a matter of policy development or an ultimate decision for the President, but also for Congress. Therefore there would be a considerable legislative process to be considered as to how all that would work out. We will be in close touch with senators and members of Congress, including the Friends of Ireland group who will be of assistance to us in that respect as well, to ensure that there is a clear understanding of Ireland's position. We are totally compliant regarding all international tax treaties. It is not well known by some who do not know how the relationship has developed, particularly the economic relationship, so we will also use the opportunity to emphasise the level of cross-investment between Irish-owned companies in the United States which, in terms of employment, practically mirrors the level of employment of US companies here. That fact is not even well known, understood or appreciated at home, let alone abroad.

There are 227 Irish companies with operations in the United States, employing more than 81,000 people across 2,630 US locations. That gives an indication of just how changed the relationship is in terms of an industrial, manufacturing and services presence in the United States by Irish companies. We are currently the 13th largest investor in the United States with cumulative investments valued at approximately $34 billion. The US is Ireland's largest services trading partner, and our second largest merchandise trading partner. Taken together, that trade was valued at $50.5 billion in 2008. Therefore the economic relationship between the United States and Ireland is one of significant two-way trade and investment that generates jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. We see ourselves as representing the perfect gateway for US industry to the European market. Getting those messages across in the context of how people view Ireland is an important part of the discussion and interaction we will have, not only with President Obama and his administration's officials but also with Congress.

Despite last year's difficult trading conditions, 47 Irish companies opened up operations in the United States. There is a huge opportunity for us there, even in the current difficult circumstances. As we move out of recession and as world trading conditions improve, the diverse nature of Irish trade in America is an important factor in our recovery.

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