The names of those participating in the third Global Irish Economic Forum taking place in Dublin next week have been unveiled by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore in New York.

Speakers from the fields of business, philanthropy and the arts attending the biennial economic think-in include executive vice-president of Coca-Cola, Irial Finan, Glen Dimplex chief executive Sean O'Driscoll, American Ireland Fund chairman Loretta Brennan Glucksman, comedian Dara O Briain and author Colum McCann.

This year’s event, which brings together influential Irish people at home and in almost 40 countries, to draw on their advice and expertise, is focused on discussing topics that have the potential to create jobs.

“Next week, 260 leading Irish and Irish-connected figures from across the globe will come together in Dublin to play their part in Ireland’s recovery,” said Mr Gilmore, launching the programme at a meeting of Irish and US financial services technology companies in New York.

Members of the Government speaking at the forum, which has spawned The Gathering tourism campaign and job creation initiative Connect Ireland, include Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton.

For the first time, 100 small and medium-sized businesses will have the opportunity to be mentored by leading business figures at the forum, which is organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“The Global Irish Economic Forum is a success story. Since the first one was held in 2009, it has helped to transform the way the Government does business with leading international figures connected to Ireland,” said Mr Gilmore.

“As in previous years, the members of the Global Irish Network will travel here on their own time and at their own expense.”

The forum takes place on October 4th and 5th.