Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the consultative mechanism on the economic work of embassies has formed; and the steps it has taken to carry out its mandate. [17616/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Among the Action Points included in the Government's Framework for Economic Renewal, launched by the Taoiseach in December, is the establishment of a consultative mechanism with public and private sector representatives to advise on issues related to the economic work of Embassies. The first consultative meeting, which I chaired, took place on Wednesday 29 April in Iveagh House. I intend to hold a number of similar meetings throughout the year with a varied geographical and thematic focus. The meetings will be informal in nature and will include representatives of the public and private sectors, reflecting the particular topic under discussion and specific interests and expertise.

Work is ongoing in my Department, within the Promoting Ireland Abroad Division (PIAD), to set up and prepare for future meetings. Dates are currently being explored with relevant representatives from the public and private sectors for the next meeting to take place in July. I envisage holding a further number of meetings before the end of the year. The aim of the meetings will be to give me an overview of the State's economic interests in specific markets and a sense of how Embassies can provide optimal support to advance those interests.