Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 759: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to encourage further co-operation with Argentina following the recent conference at Farmleigh House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33878/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to report that two participants from Argentina attended the Global Irish Economic Forum. The Government is determined to build on the positive momentum generated at the Forum and to take forward the wide range of ideas suggested during the discussions.

I will shortly bring a comprehensive report of the Forum discussions and suggested outcomes to Government. This will include details of how the Government can continue to develop a more strategic relationship with the global Irish, including those living in Argentina.

The Government values its long-standing bilateral relationship with Argentina. It remains an important trading partner for Ireland and several major Irish companies have significant operations there. Earlier this year, I met with representatives of the State Agencies and the private sector to assess how the Government can provide increased support to advance the State's economic interests in Latin America, including in Argentina.

Since 2006, the Government has, through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), been able to provide almost €140,000 in financial support to Irish-Argentine community associations to strengthen the links between these communities and Ireland. Further grant applications from Argentina are being considered as part of the current round of ESP funding and will be decided on over the coming weeks.