Minister's Welcome - The Global Irish Network
At the Global Irish Economic Forum, held at Farmleigh in September 2009, I proposed that a new Global Irish Network be established to maintain and build upon the positive momentum created at the Forum.
I am pleased that some 300 people, based in the four corners of the world but all with a strong connection to Ireland, have since accepted my invitation to participate in The Global Irish Network.
The Network comprises those who have a record of high achievement in international business or those who have assisted in the promotion of Ireland abroad through their prominence in the cultural or sporting worlds. We seek to harness their expertise and experiences, building on their individual international perspectives as we work together to deepen our engagement with Irish communities worldwide and to spread the message that Ireland is absolutely open for business, and remains an attractive place for international investment, business people and tourists alike.
One of the main themes to emerge from the attendees at the Global Irish Economic Forum was the importance of Irish Culture to the image of this country abroad. I am convinced the Global Irish Network can be of significant value to Ireland in this context, as we try to better promote Irish culture across the globe.
The Network is also of assistance in our efforts to reposition Ireland in the international market place, and to expand the reach and depth of our engagement with that most valuable resource that is the global Irish community. It allows too for greater strategic and practical interaction between Ireland, both public and private sector, and leading business figures within the global Irish community and provides a formal forum through which members exchange views and take forward practical initiatives.
It is my strong hope that the Global Irish Network will facilitate new business opportunities for Ireland and Irish business sectors at this important and challenging time, and will provide a new and useful channel for the positive energy and enthusiasm for which the Irish are renowned worldwide as we look forward to new international opportunities.
Of course, the Network constitutes only a small fraction of our Diaspora. While participation has, of necessity, been limited, its establishment is a further demonstration of the enormous value that Ireland places on its relationship with the global Irish.
Through the work of the Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government will continue to offer support to all sections of our Diaspora. In addition to the increased economic element to our work, I am determined to ensure that we continue to attach a high priority to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable members of the Irish abroad. The funding provided by the Government in recent years has helped ensure that the quality of life for elderly and other vulnerable Irish emigrants in Britain, the US, Australia and elsewhere has improved. By investing in community facilities and capital projects, we are also helping to ensure that these communities, and as a consequence the global Irish, remains vibrant for decades to come.
Minister Martin publishes a Progress Report on implementation of the proposals made at the Global Irish Economic Forum, held at Farmleigh on the 18-20 September 2009.