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Date: Sep 2011
UCD Business School is honoured to have been selected by the Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a team of facilitators for the break out discussions at the forthcoming plenary session of the Global Irish Economic Forum. The School has assembled a team of facilitators from across its faculty, supported by the School of Law and our Irish Advisory Board, to moderate discussions on topics ranging from “The Domestic Irish Banking Sector” to “How the Creative and Cultural sectors can work with the Global Irish business community” to “The Green Economy”.
The Global Irish Economic Forum first convened at Farmleigh in Autumn 2009 and is seen by the Government as a an important element in mobilising the Irish Diaspora in support of economic recovery. The School and the facilitators are giving their services free of charge as a contribution to national recovery.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore, T.D., today briefed the cabinet and announced details of the Global Irish Economic Forum to be held at Dublin Castle on 7 and 8 October. He also warmly welcomed President Bill Clinton’s acceptance of the invitation from the Taoiseach to attend the Forum.
The Tánaiste said: “I am delighted that President Clinton has accepted the Taoiseach’s invitation to take part in the Forum. President Clinton’s leadership on the key challenges of our time, including the global economy, aid and disaster relief is widely recognised. He continues to take a strong interest in Ireland and in its future. His global economic and political perspective offers a unique opportunity to explore the best ways to meet the challenges before us”.
The Tánaiste also welcomed the response to the Taoiseach’s letter of invitation to members of the Global Irish Network. To date, almost 280 invitees have confirmed that they will attend. In addition, Government Ministers, the State Agencies, members of the Opposition and leading Irish based business figures will also be participating. President McAleese will be the guest of honour at a formal dinner for participants on Friday, 7 October.
The Tánaiste recalled that the event would be results orientated and that a robust follow-up mechanism would be announced at the Forum. He said that the objectives of the Forum will be to:
The Tánaiste thanked the moderators, panellists, and the facilitators of the working groups- the UCD Smurfit School of Business- who are providing their services on a pro-bono basis. He said that every effort is being made to keep the overall cost to a minimum. There will be live internet screening of the key discussions so that members of the public can follow the event.