Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 66: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the initiatives and recommendations following the global economic forum in 2009; the number of networks that have been successfully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the forthcoming Global Economic Forum being held in October. [27242/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The inaugural Global Irish Economic Forum, held at Farmleigh in 2009, was an important milestone in Ireland's relationship with its Diaspora.

A detailed update in respect of each of the 59 specific and medium term objectives identified in the Report of the Forum was published on my Department's website in April of this year. That document demonstrates the significant number of proposals that have either been fully or substantively delivered by Government. Some of the initiatives proposed at Farmleigh were general or thematic in nature and covered a range of sectors including: innovation; education; tourism; culture; diaspora engagement and network development.

Among the specific initiatives that emerged from, or were influenced by, the 2009 Farmleigh Forum were:

· the establishment of the Global Irish Network of over 300 influential individuals drawn from 37 countries;

· a new focus on the promotion of Irish culture abroad;

· Tourism Ireland's 'Come Home' campaign targeted at the Diaspora;

· the establishment of the Farmleigh Fellowship Programme in Singapore;

· the establishment of a Diaspora focussed website- www.worldirish.com- ;

· the expansion of the Irish Technology Leadership Group (with Irish Government support) and the establishment of the Irish Innovation Centre in Silicon Valley;

· increased access to genealogical records and the establishment of the Certificate of Irish Heritage;

· the provision of mentoring, introduction and advice for Irish companies;

· the appointment of a high profile spokesperson for the IFSC.

In addition, since the 2009 Forum, Irish Missions and State Agencies overseas have worked with local communities to enhance existing or establish new business Networks. For instance, our Ambassadors in Paris, Berlin and Abu Dhabi have worked with 2009 Forum participants to establish new Irish business networks in these locations. A number of young Irish professional networks have also been established with the support of my Department since 2009.

The second Global Irish Economic Forum will take place at Dublin Castle on 7 and 8 October and will have a number of objectives. First, it is designed to maintain and further develop a structured engagement between the Government and leading business figures from our Diaspora and from among our friends abroad. Secondly, it will play an important role in the Government's ongoing and increasingly successful work of rebuilding Ireland's international reputation by enabling us to outline our economic objectives and achievements to date and to seek the assistance of participants in projecting positive messages abroad. Thirdly, a number of specific initiatives will be launched or showcased at the Forum. Fourthly, participants will be tasked with proposing no more than two to three specific value added ideas from each of the fifteen working groups.

The Government is deeply encouraged by the fact that over 300 people have accepted the invitation to participate and looks forward to a productive meeting.