Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there is an implementation group working on initiatives considered by the leaders from different sectors at the meeting in Farmleigh, Dublin; the main headings under which this work is being advanced; and if ordinary citizens may input into the process. [5307/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Global Irish Economic Forum was convened by the Government with two broad objectives: to explore how the Irish at home and abroad, and those with a strong interest in Ireland, could work together and contribute to our overall efforts at economic recovery; and to examine ways in which Ireland and its global community could develop a more strategic relationship with each other, particularly in the economic sector.

The Government moved quickly to take forward the work begun at Farmleigh. On 13 October 2009, the Government considered the comprehensive report of the Forum prepared by my Department, and established a new inter-Departmental Committee, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Taoiseach, to consider the proposals, and to monitor progress and implementation across Departments.

All medium term and specific proposals suggested by participants at Farmleigh and noted in the report of the Forum have been reviewed by the relevant Departments and work is being actively taken forward under the majority of those headings ( a detailed list of the main themes and specific proposals to emerge and is available on www.dfa.ie and www.globalirishforum.ie ).

This post-Forum process complements the work already underway across many of the areas discussed at Farmleigh, including through the Innovation Task Force and the implementation of 'Building Ireland's Smart Economy'.

As the Deputy will be aware, significant initiatives have already been announced – including the funding of a new landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York; the development of an Irish Innovation Centre in Silicon Valley; and the establishment of a Global Irish Network which I will launch in London this week. The Inter-Departmental Committee will report to Government later this month. I further intend to issue a public report on progress since the Forum in advance of St Patrick's Day.

A number of the proposals arising from Farmleigh were of a nature that they were more suitably advanced by the private sector, and I am pleased that a number of participants and other individuals have been in contact with my Department in relation to initiatives, inspired by or related to the Forum, that they are taking forward.

The process begun at Farmleigh is a dynamic one. I would urge any individual or group who have innovative ideas for furthering engagement with the Global Irish; or how our communities abroad can contribute further to economic recovery, to contact me through the Irish Abroad Unit of my Department. We would be happy to advise whether a project would be suitable for Government involvement, to assist as appropriate, or to refer them to another Department or State Agency, as may be required.