Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his attendance at the Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin Castle on 7 and 8 October 2011. [29504/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The second Global Irish Economic Forum was held in Dublin Castle on 7 and 8 October. The primary purposes of the Forum were to engage fully with the Irish Diaspora in developing Ireland's global business and trade relations; to discuss face-to-face the Government's priorities for economic renewal with key members of the international business community; and to strengthen ties with the Irish Diaspora as a key part of the Government's efforts to restore Ireland's international reputation abroad. There was an exceptional uptake on the Taoiseach's invitation from among members of the Global Irish Network. In addition to the members of the Network, attendees also included members of the Government, Secretaries General of Government Departments, CEOs of State Agencies and members of the Opposition and leading members of the Irish business and cultural sectors.

Over the course of the two days, I made an address at the opening session and took part in the opening plenary debate which discussed "Ireland: the road to recovery". I was also a panellist for other debates including "Ireland's image abroad: communicating the message" and the closing plenary discussion, alongside the Taoiseach and President Clinton.

In response to requests from participants at the 2009 Forum, a considerable amount of time was devoted to small break-out working groups. Each working group focussed on a topic of relevance to the Programme for Government and, in most cases, involved the participation of the relevant Minister, Minister of State and/or representatives from appropriate Departments or State Agencies. I took part in two working groups, "Ireland's reputation abroad" on 7 October and the "Job Creation" group on 8 October. I also delivered the closing address to the Forum.

The Forum was marked by a high level of enthusiasm among the participants, with candour and frankness characterising the discussions. The feedback to date from all who attended has been extremely positive with participants expressing significant satisfaction with the quality of the discussions and the management of the event.

The Report of the Forum, including the outcomes, is being finalised by my Department and will be published shortly.