Global Irish Network
Our diaspora make a meaningful contribution to Ireland and together, we work to support economic development, stability and our international reputation. The Global Irish Network is an important element of our engagement with Irish people around the world.
What is the Global Irish Network?
The Global Irish Network is a network of 300 of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected people abroad who provide Ireland with valuable international expertise.
Its members come from diverse fields, are based in almost 40 countries and are willing to get involved in delivering economic development in Ireland.
The individual success of Network members is testament to the hard work, innovation and ability which characterises the Irish abroad.
What does it do?
The Network works closely with the Government and state agencies in promoting Ireland’s economic, cultural and tourism messages in key markets. With their reach, power and influence, Ireland can gain an important competitive edge in engaging new and emerging markets.
As well as its advisory and facilitation role, the Network works closely with the Embassies, Consulates, and the offices of the state agencies overseas to help deliver specific initiatives including:
- Global Irish Economic Forum
- Global Irish Contacts Programme
- ID2015
How it began
First Global Irish Economic Forum
The first Global Irish Economic Forum took place at the Farmleigh Estate, Dublin, in September 2009.
At this first forum, participants identified a permanent global network as an important objective and the Global Irish Network was launched in 2010.
Second Global Irish Economic Forum
The second Global Irish Economic Forum was held in Dublin Castle in October 2011 and brought together around 270 members of the Global Irish Network with the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Government, state agencies and domestic business leaders.
This forum was highly successful, with a frank and intensive exchange of ideas on the Government’s priorities for economic renewal, job creation and how to restore Ireland’s reputation abroad.
Third Global Irish Economic Forum
The third Global Irish Economic Forum was held in Dublin Castle on 4 and 5 October 2013, hosted by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste with an attendance drawn from the members of the Global Irish Network, the Government, state agencies, domestic business leaders and heads of third level institutions.
The forum that year also included around 100 SMEs from the island of Ireland at an event which brought them together with members of the Global Irish Network to learn about scaling up for exporting. Regional Roundtable meetings with local SMEs also took place in Cork, Galway and Belfast on the 3rd October 2013.
Fourth Global Irish Economic Forum
The fourth Global Irish Economic Forum was held in Dublin Castle on 20 and 21 November 2015, hosted by the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs with an attendance drawn from the members of the Global Irish Network, the Government, state agencies, domestic business leaders and heads of third level institutions.
The forum was preceded by regional meetings of the Forum which took place in Derry, Galway, Limerick and Laois on 19 November and which included mentoring and networking sessions within specific sectors.