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Tánaiste tells Global Irish Economic Forum that the scale of the challenge facing Ireland today is matched by the scale of our effort and our ambition
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore T.D., told the closing session of the second Global Irish Economic Forum this afternoon that the scale of the challenge facing Ireland today is matched by the scale of our effort and our ambition. The Tánaiste added:
"What matters now, is that we take away the thoughts and ideas of yesterday and today, and turn them into action tomorrow"
The Forum, which took place over two days in Dublin Castle, brought together the members of the Global Irish Network - over 300 of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals from abroad. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Cabinet Ministers and senior representatives from Government Departments and State Agencies took part in the event. The participants discussed the Government’s priorities for economic renewal, job creation and the restoration of Ireland’s reputation abroad.
The Forum was addressed on Saturday afternoon by President Bill Clinton. In his address, President Clinton announced his intention to convene a special summit for Ireland which will bring together senior business leaders and economic experts aimed at promoting foreign direct investment in Ireland. He proposed that the summit would be held in New York at a date to be announced in the near future.
The Tánaiste expressed his gratitude to the members of the Forum for the commitment they have shown to this initiative since it was first set up in 2009. He thanked them "for being here, for what (they) have already done, and for what (they) will do in the future".
The Tánaiste also expressed his gratitude to President Clinton for his commitment to Ireland over many years and, specifically, for his announcement of a special summit on investment in Ireland. The Tánaiste also acknowledged the offer of ongoing assistance pro bono to the Government from Teneo, the strategic consultancy firm chaired by President Clinton, whose CEO is the former US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Declan Kelly.
Read the full text of the Tánaiste’s remarks here.