Cabinet approves second global forum

A SECOND formal gathering of the Irish diaspora has been approved by Cabinet. The event, first held in Farmleigh in 2009, will take place in Dublin Castle this year.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore brought a memo to Cabinet yesterday advising that he intended to convene another Global Irish Economic Forum on October 7th and 8th. The first forum in September 2009 cost €320,000.

“The Government recognises the valuable role the global Irish can play in Ireland’s economic recovery. This forum will provide an opportunity for us to meet with key members of the diaspora and to discuss our priorities for economic renewal, job creation and the restoration of Ireland’s reputation abroad,” Mr Gilmore said.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will attend along with Mr Gilmore and other Ministers, as well as senior representatives from Government departments and State agencies.

Invitations will be issued shortly to members of the Global Irish Network, which was established after the first forum in September 2009. The network now involves more than 300 people with Irish connections based in 37 countries abroad. Those attending will be expected to travel to Ireland at their own expense. A small number of Irish-based individuals from the business and cultural sectors will also be invited.

The 2009 initiative was described as the brain child of economist David McWilliams and organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs. A Government spokeswoman said it was hoped McWilliams would be involved.

The keynote speakers at the 2009 event included retired Intel chief executive Craig Barrett, who warned Ireland was falling behind other countries in education and research and development.

Other invitees were Colm Barrington of Aer Lingus, the Coca Cola company’s executive vice-president Irial Finan and businessman Denis O’Brien.

A large number of senior Fianna Fáil politicians attended, along with Mr Gilmore and Michael D Higgins of the Labour Party. Mr Kenny did not attend.

Chairman of the Vette corporation Kevin Melia, financier Dermot Desmond and Cisco Systems senior vice-president Barry O’Sullivan were also invited, as were Ireland Funds president and chief executive Kingsley Aikins, Bob Geldof and journalist Niall O’Dowd.