On Thursday Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin announced the establishment of the Global Irish Network, a new forum through which he hopes to use the Diaspora to bring financial benefits to Ireland.

Speaking at the launching event in the Irish Embassy in London Minister Martin said: “At the Global Irish Economic Forum, I proposed that a new Global Irish Network would be established, through which Government could maintain and develop its relationship with the global Irish business community. I am now delivering on this commitment.

"The establishment of The Global Irish Network will honour the Government’s commitment at Farmleigh to listen to and work with those who, though mainly resident abroad, continue to have a strong interest and stake in Ireland and its progress.

"The Global Irish Network brings together for the first time some 280 individuals from different regions and different sectors, who all share a strong connection to Ireland and have a record of high achievement in international business or have assisted in the promotion of Ireland abroad through their prominence in the cultural or sporting worlds.” 

Following the Press Conference, Minister Martin chaired the first meeting of the British-based members of the Network, and announced his intention to organise a series of such regional meetings with members of The Global Irish Network over the coming period.

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