Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----a very negative story about Ireland but these people are intelligent. They read the facts in the newspapers and they like what is happening here despite the fact that some of this story is being distorted.

Earlier in March the Government published Global Irish - Ireland's Diaspora Policy. This document is the first clear statement of the Government's policy on the diaspora. This diaspora policy is a series of actions that, taken together, will serve to deepen our engagement with members of the diaspora. It recognises that Ireland has a unique and important relationship with its diaspora that must be nurtured and developed. It sets out a number of initiatives which are aimed at supporting our diaspora abroad, including those who wish to return to Ireland. We have also committed to greater communication with the members of our diaspora. This will be an important tool in understanding the particular needs of those seeking to return to Ireland and in keeping the Irish overseas informed of developments at home. Also set out in this policy is an Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, which I chair. It is an important tool in ensuring that all Departments work together to support our diaspora, both abroad and if they decide to return to Ireland. I hope that this forum will provide an opportunity to further smooth the transition for emigrants returning home.

In putting our plans for economic recovery into action, we have also been fortunate to be able to draw upon the skills and expertise of many members of our diaspora around the globe. Their assistance has been invaluable in terms of helping to rebuild our international reputation, which had been so tarnished by our economic collapse. The Global Irish Network is a central element of the Government's engagement with the diaspora in support of our economic goals. Based in almost 40 countries, the Global Irish Network consists of more than 300 of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad and provides Ireland with an invaluable resource of international champions. The Government announced recently that it will convene the fourth Global Irish Economic Forum, bringing together members of the Global Irish Network in November of this year. This should be exciting. Prior to this we have been faced with economic challenges and now these people are coming to a totally different environment and I am very hopeful about this. The Global Irish Network and the Global Irish Economic Forum have come up with the idea of our having this as the year of Irish year of international design and also the Succeed in Ireland initiative which is delivered by Connect Ireland. That initiative has been very successful. Connect Ireland has produced in the order of 1,000 jobs with many more in the pipeline. I will now hand over to my colleague, the Minster of State, Deputy Nash.

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