Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

It goes without saying that we will use the Presidency to showcase Irish goods and services. The Government intends to use the tendering process to ensure, as far as possible while complying with our legal obligations, that Irish companies are given every opportunity to showcase their goods and to benefit. The Presidency will have enormous potential for the restaurant industry and the hospitality sector. I mentioned some aspects of the cultural programme. We are working closely with Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia. I am chairing a group of semi-State companies that is examining opportunities and ways of leveraging potential for Ireland from the semi-State side. Of course, the Presidency will tie in very well with all the events that will take place throughout 2013 as part of the Gathering. We intend to exploit all of the limitless opportunities that will present themselves next year.

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