The Global Irish Economic Forum takes place in Dublin Castle on Friday and Saturday 4^th and 5^th of October

You may wish to be aware that the opening and closing Plenary sessions and four panel discussion will be streamed live via the Forum website– www.globalirishforum.ie –  and on the RTE site.  Further material is also available on the Forum site.

In May 2013, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste issued invitations to members of the Global Irish Network which consists of over 300 of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad, all of whom have demonstrated a strong affiliation with Ireland and have a record of high achievement in international business or in assisting in the promotion of Ireland.

The overseas participants will be joined by members of the Government, Secretaries General of Government Departments, CEOs of State Agencies, members of the Opposition and leading members of the Irish business and cultural sectors.   This year the Irish business attendees are made up of senior figures from multinational companies with significant investments here, Irish companies with a substantial international profile and representatives from the indigenous SME sector.

The four areas identified for discussion during the two days are overcoming the challenges facing the domestic economy and tackling youth unemployment; financial services and public financing; technology; and education (focussing on internationalisation and alumni engagement). There will also be appropriate opportunities for discussion on the future contribution of the Global Irish Network in the agri-food, tourism and cultural sectors. Within this framwork, we have asked participants to offer innovative policy advice and practical proposals in respect of the major challenges that face the country.

The elements available online are:

Friday, 4 Oct

9.30am

Opening address by the Tánaiste and plenary focussed on the theme of ‘Making Ireland the best small country in which to do business, get a job, raise a family and grow old’ (to include personal reflections on the topic by Irish literary figures, recent and longstanding emigrants and young entrepreneurs).

3.30pm

Panel discussion on “Opportunities for Ireland in the UK and Europe”

Panel discussion on “Ireland and the United States- building a relationship for the 21^st Century”

Saturday, 5 Oct

11.00am

Panel discussion on “The Gathering and its Legacy”

Panel discussion on “Trade and investment in high growth markets”

2.00pm

Plenary session in which the 18 working groups will report to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste