Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money allocated to the Irish Technology Leadership Group recently launched in Palo Alto, California; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3306/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Technology Leadership Group was established by a group of Silicon Valley business leaders of Irish origin. The Group is led by Palm Inc. (PALM) Senior Vice President John Hartnett and is dedicated to helping Ireland take advantage of the opportunities in new technology. It also includes current and former executives from firms including Sling Media, Intuit Inc. (INTU), Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL), Intel Inc. (INTC), Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO) and Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ). In addition to serving as a think tank, the group will also cultivate a social network for members. As part of an extensive investment promotion visit to the West Coast in October 2007, I visited Palo Alto to meet with the founding members of the Irish Technology Leadership Group for the formal launch of the new organization. While I welcome the contribution that the Group will make to raising the profile of Ireland as a location for investment, no funds have been allocated by my Department, or by the development agencies under its remit, to fund the activities of the Group.