Global forum for Dublin Castle

A SECOND global economic forum will be held at Dublin Castle in October but any top names attending will be expected to pay for their own travel to Ireland.

Although the last forum, which cost €320,000 was held at Farmleigh organisers said this venue is now too small. It also said that as with previous meetings, those attending will be expected to travel to Ireland at their own expense.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said that he has decided to proceed with holding the forum this year given the “important contribution it can make towards building Ireland’s reputation among the international Irish business community”.

Some senior Irish-based individuals from the business and cultural worlds will be invited while the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, cabinet ministers and senior representatives from government departments and state agencies will also attend.

Also invited will be members of the Global Irish Network, which was established after the first forum and consists of 300 of influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad.

The main purposes of the 2011 forum will be to engage fully with the Irish diaspora in developing Ireland’s global business and trade relations and discuss face-to-face the Government’s priorities for economic renewal with key members of the international business community.

The forum will also aim to strengthen ties with the Irish diaspora in a bid to restore Ireland’s international reputation abroad.

“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,” said Mr Gilmore.

Based across 37 countries, network members have worked closely with the government and state agencies in promoting Ireland’s economic, cultural and tourism messages.

The first Global Irish Economic Forum was held at Farmleigh in September 2009 and was attended by 130 leading Irish connected individuals living abroad from the business and cultural sectors.

The event will take place from October 7 to 8.