TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny pledged to work in partnership with the Irish diaspora of 70 million to help create jobs and restore the Republic’s international standing.
At the opening of the forum in Dublin Castle yesterday, Mr Kenny said he believed a “new age” of prosperity lay ahead for the Republic by making it the best small state in the world in which to do business over the next five years.
By tapping into the energy, expertise and entrepreneurship of our global community, the Taoiseach said the Republic had every chance to rebuild and thrive.
“Right now, our stars might be difficult but this is not the first time. They have been before. But I believe that by working together, for the good of Ireland that we will prevail.”
Mr Kenny told the audience – which included 270 business, political and cultural leaders who were Irish-born or of Irish descent – that the Government has been working hard to help rebuild the economy.
These measures include improving competitiveness, reducing business costs, providing access to credit while driving productivity and innovation.
Although challenges lay ahead, he said the Coalition has already made progress by protecting the corporation tax rate, securing improved terms from the EU-IMF deal and achieving better than expected tax revenues.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore revealed plans for a new awards scheme to recognise outstanding contributions made to the State and to Irish people by members of the diaspora.
“Irish people have rightly taken pride in the achievements of its people abroad. I believe It is now time for the State to reflect this pride by recognising in a formal way the outstanding contribution of the Irish diaspora.”
While it would not be an honours system, it would represent formal recognition of sustained or distinguished service, he added. Mr Gilmore said this would contribute to creating a Republic with a “different compass”, where people were judged not by what they had, but what they gave back.
The Tánaiste also outlined priorities for the forum, including an ongoing engagement between Government and the diaspora.
He said the forum would be convened annually, while an implementation group – including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste – would meet twice-yearly to implement ideas arising from the seminar.
In addition, he announced plans for a panel of international advocates who would advise the Government and other State authorities on six key sectors.
These include: securing foreign direct investment; financial services; promoting culture abroad; tourism; exports; and rebuilding the Republic’s reputation.
Panel debates were held, including one attended by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, at which a call was made for Irish companies to concentrate on building brands to increase sales in China, Russia and other emerging markets.
Liam Casey, chief executive of technology supply chain company PCH International, told a session that Irish companies could not compete on price with Chinese businesses. He said they should instead concentrate on tapping into China’s desire for branded goods in the food, cosmetics and fashion sectors.
Mr Bruton said he was “interested in the concept”. He also conceded that Enterprise Ireland’s strategy and supports in massive and fast-growing markets such as China “probably isn’t good enough”, but that the agency had to weigh up the costs of where it placed its resources against the likely benefits.
This weekend’s gathering at Dublin Caste is the second meeting of the global Irish forum, a grouping of Irish business leaders. It first gathered in Farmleigh two years ago to help examine how those with a strong interest in the Republic could work together and contribute to the State’s economic recovery.