Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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415. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report further on the global forum on diaspora and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45238/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Global Diaspora and Development Forum was hosted in Dublin earlier this month by the UCD Clinton Institute. Its aim was to bring together key thinkers, policy makers and members of Global Diasporas to further the growing international dialogue on the importance of linkages between Diaspora and development.

The Forum was opened by my colleague Jimmy Deenihan TD, the Minister of State with special responsibility for the Diaspora, and my Department was also represented at official level. Distinguished guests included Ambassador William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organisation for Migration.

The Forum was partly funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through Irish Aid, in follow up to the valuable discussions on Diaspora, Development and the Knowledge Economy organised by the Clinton Institute during the 2013 Africa Ireland Economic Forum.

Ireland’s record of harnessing our Diaspora for economic, political and social development is widely acknowledged, and our expertise in this area is of significant interest to Diaspora representatives based in Ireland. In particular, there are many lessons that can be shared with our African partners on the positive impacts of engagement with Diaspora, including those highlighted at the Forum in the areas of investment, tourism, philanthropy, innovation, knowledge transfer and conflict transformation.

I know that the Forum was a well-attended and successful event and I look forward to receiving a full report from the Clinton Institute on the outcomes of the discussions that took place.