Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

On the Taoiseach's visit, I welcome the fact that we maintain a strong engagement with our diaspora. I was particularly active in terms of the global diaspora and the United States. I learned recently that the Government has decided to have a second Farmleigh summit of the Global Irish Economic Forum. Does the Taoiseach agree that the concept of the forum was a good one when it was initiated? Will he indicate if he has had any engagement with the global Irish network which was formed as a result of the get-together in Farmleigh, particularly its American members?

As the Taoiseach noted, Ireland has always been open for business with the United States. Can the Taoiseach provide clarification on some of the potential projects that are under way? Did he have bilateral meetings with companies who are thinking of investing in Ireland with regard to specific projects? He obviously may not be in a position to name the companies involved, but I would be interested in ascertaining whether he spoke to a number of such companies. Reports yesterday suggested that 2010 was a particularly effective year for inward investment into Europe. Ireland is one of the largest recipients of foreign direct investment from the United States, so I would like to have some indication as to the potential for further job creation in that regard.

I have asked both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste about the number of trade visits that are being planned. From the replies I received last week, it seems that there is a relatively small agenda for trade missions by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste for the rest of the year. Has that something to do with the tug-of-war that is currently going on between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and the Department of Foreign Affairs over who has responsibility for the trade portfolio? I welcome the Taoiseach's decision to move trade to the Department of Foreign Affairs, but that has not happened yet. It seems that there will be a division of responsibilities between both Departments, which will be a recipe for confusion, as well as a lack of clarity and focus in formulating, articulating and implementing trade policy.

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