Sinn Féin Donegal North East TD, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn will attende the second Global Irish Economic Forum over the next two days in his capacity as his party’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Members of the Irish diaspora from almost 40 countries are attending the event, which will be addressed by former US President Bill Clinton tomorrow.
The 270 delegates at the two-day event in Dublin Castle will discuss practical initiatives to help Ireland’s economic recovery.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “The forum will examine ways of generating foreign direct investment, promoting culture as well as increasing export and tourism figures.
“As a TD representing a constituency that has suffered more than most due to this economic recession, with 23,000 out of full time employment and thousands already forced to emigrate, the importance of the potential of this forum to utilise out immense diaspora across the globe can not be understated.
“Job creation and rebuilding our international reputation have to be our top priorities. The 15 working groups at the forum are being asked to propose two or three specific ideas to help achieve these aims.
“Irish embassies will be charged with ensuring that the proposals are acted upon and that links with the diaspora are enhanced. The views of those who have emigrated in recent years are also being sought.”
He concluded: “Donegal is no stranger to this approach, with the Boston/ Donegal partnership ongoing but we need to do much more in utilising the real power of the Donegal and Irish diaspora. There is not one Donegal adult that doesn’t have family members or close friends who have emigrated. We know of their love and passion for their home. Let’s give them a role in rebuilding our country.”
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