The second Global Irish Economic Forum held in Dublin Castle last October has resulted in significant boosts in the areas of inward investment, job creation and improving Ireland’s reputation abroad, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has claimed.
Mr Gilmore yesterday published a progress report on the forum and argued that the Coalition’s approach had ensured that actions recommended by participants at the forum had been quickly progressed.
He highlighted a number of areas where significant direct action has been claimed. They included the holding of the Invest in Ireland round-table discussion, hosted by former US president Bill Clinton in New York last month. This allowed the Government to “present Ireland’s case for foreign direct investment to major US corporations which have yet to invest here”, said Mr Gilmore.
The establishment of a formal advocacy system in key regions had also been influential, he said. Advocates had already begun work with Irish embassies abroad in preparing St Patrick’s Day programmes with Ministers overseas
“The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2012 identifies the important contribution Global Irish Network members are making to Ireland’s economic renewal,” he said.
He highlighted specific elements contained in the action plan including members of the global Irish network mentoring Irish companies.