Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I largely agree with the Deputy's last point in terms of it being important that people know who has been invited to participate in that panel. An indicative list of proposed participants is currently being finalised in consultation with our embassy in Washington, our eight consulates general of Ireland across the United States and our relevant State agencies. Attendees will be drawn from a range of businesses and strategically important sectors with due consideration to a range of issues, including regional diversity, gender balance and so forth. I would make the point - I do not think we disagree on this - that our diaspora is a hugely important asset to harness. In a country in which we have so many people who are well aligned or well attuned to Ireland and Irish needs and indeed to our diaspora, it makes sense at this moment in time to bring them together to provide insight. Policy will, of course, continue to be made by the Government for which I will continue to account to the House. Certainly, once we write the letter of invitation which will set out the purpose, I am happy and, I believe, obligated to provide that information to the House.

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