The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., chaired the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Group of the Global Irish Network this evening in Iveagh House.
The Advisory Group consists of 19 members of the Global Irish Network representing each of the main geographic areas represented at the 2011 Forum. They were joined by the Secretaries General of a number of Departments and by the CEOs of the main economic State Agencies. Welcoming the participants to the meeting, the Tánaiste said:
“The Global Irish Network is a powerful demonstration of the invaluable resource that is our Diaspora. We are fortunate that our people and friends abroad remain so deeply engaged with Irish issues and are willing to assist us in overcoming our challenges.
I established the Advisory Group to provide a platform whereby Network members can have an input into the implementation of the outcomes of the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum and the development of the strategic direction of the Network.”
The Advisory Group considered the future strategy for the Network and key tasks that it might undertake in the coming years. The Group reviewed the progress to date on the outcomes of the 2011 Forum, in particular the projects closely associated with Network members such as ConnectIreland, the Gathering; and, the Global Irish Contacts programme.
The Group was also briefed on projects being undertaken in particular regions including the expansion of the Farmleigh Fellowship Programme in Asia; the work of the Silicon Valley based Irish Technology Leadership Group; and, the Invest in Ireland Forum hosted by President Clinton in New York last February
Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressing the working dinner, welcomed the ongoing support and assistance the Global Irish Network provides to the Government:
“That members are again giving freely of their time to work with us on our priorities is proof of the commitment the Network has to Ireland. I, and my colleagues in Government, will work to ensure that we match your commitment by continuing to progress the outcomes of the Forum and to supporting the new ideas discussed here this evening.”
Speaking after the meeting, the Tánaiste commented:
“The range of initiatives discussed this evening clearly demonstrates that the role the Diaspora can play in our economic recovery has been embraced across the whole of government. The “asks” made of Network members since the 2011 Forum have been more substantive and specific than in the past and it is clear that they have responded in a very positive manner. These initiatives can make real and tangible contributions to our objectives of creating jobs and supporting our exporters.”
Press Office
11 July 2012
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Advisory Group of the Global Irish Network
v The Advisory Group of the Global Irish Network is charged with overseeing the implementation, where appropriate, of the initiatives which emerged from the Forum and coordinating the overall work programme for the Global Irish Network. Further information on the Global Irish Network and the Global Irish Economic Forums is available at the
www.globalirishforum.ie .
v Today’s meeting takes place in the context of a robust follow up process to the 2011 Forum. The Forum’s March 2012 progress report clearly demonstrates the ability of the Network to deliver real, tangible economic benefits for the Irish at home and abroad. Network members have been directly involved in a number of specific initiatives largely led, or supported by Government, including: The Gathering,; Connect Ireland; expansion of the Farmleigh Fellowship Programme in Asia; and the Invest in Ireland Conference in New York last February. Several of the ideas raised at Dublin Castle are now contained in the Action Plan for Jobs. Network members are also more directly involved in Trade Missions and in planning the 2012 St Patrick’s Day overseas programme.
v The Advisory Group were briefed today on new initiatives, including the Global Irish Contacts programme (an EI/DFAT scheme for supporting and mentoring Irish companies) and Coca Cola’s intention to host an “Invest in Ireland” forum in Dublin to coincide with the upcoming Notre Dame v Navy football game.
v One of the key outcomes of the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum was the clear desire among participants to assist Irish exporters in key sectors and markets. In response, Enterprise Ireland in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has developed the Global Irish Contacts Programme. The aims of the programme are to facilitate top business leaders from Ireland and internationally acting as mentors to Irish businesses; develop linkages between firms; support potential and existing exporters; and explore the leveraging of advice by experienced executives who have established successful businesses. To date, over 100 members signed up to the programme which will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
v Membership of the Advisory Group of the Global Irish Network
Name Company
Rosaleen Blair Founder & CEO, Alexander Mann Solutions (Britain)
Loretta Brennan Glucksman Chairman, The American Ireland Fund (USA)
Mary Campbell Head of Global Cash and Trade Operations, Deutsche Bank AG (Germany)
Liam Casey CEO, PCH International (China)
Fred Combe Managing Director, Natus Pte Limited;
Chairperson and co-Founder of the Farmleigh Fellowship (Singapore)
Avril Conroy Vice President, TNK-BK (Russia)
Patrick Cosgrave Founder, F.ounders and organiser of Dublin Web Summit (Ireland)
Susan Davis Chairman & Founder, Susan Davis Int. (USA)
Irial Finan Executive Vice President and President, The Coca Cola Company and Bottling Investments. (USA)
Clem Garvey Chief Operating Officer, Neopost SA (France)
John Hartnett President & Chairman, Irish Innovation Center & Irish Technology Capital; President, Irish Technology Leadership Group (USA)
Robert Kearns President, Kearns Insurance Corporation;
Founder and Chairman, Ireland Park Foundation. (Canada)
Gerald Lawless Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group, Dubai (UAE)
Sean O'Driscoll Chairman & CEO, Glen Dimplex Group (Ireland)
Paul Scales MD, Pacific Investments Asia Limited (Thailand)
Peter Sutherland Chairman, Goldman Sachs International;
Chairman, London School of Economics (Britain)
Willie Walsh CEO, International Airlines Group (Britain)
Two members of the Advisory Group, David Mc Williams Economist & Broadcaster and Paul O’Sullivan CEO, SingTel Optus Pty Ltd (based in Australia) were unable to attend the meeting.