Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to host another Global Irish Economic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6466/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I have decided to convene a third Global Irish Economic Forum in October of this year. The decision follows Government consideration of the matter at its meeting on 29 January 2013. The Forums held in 2009 and 2011 and the related Global Irish Network have made a substantive contribution to the Government’s jobs and growth agenda and to the restoration of our international reputation. I believe that a further Forum would continue the process of deepening our strategic engagement with the Diaspora and make a further direct contribution to investment and trade promotion.

My Department is in discussions with other Departments and State Agencies as well as members of the Global Irish Network on the most appropriate structure and agenda for the event. The issue will also be discussed at the next meeting of the Global Irish network Advisory Group which will take place in Farmleigh on 11 February.

I will provide further details on the programme and format of the Forum when it becomes available.