Irish government to introduce Diaspora awards system

Bill Clinton to speak at global forum in Dublin

JAMES O’SHEA,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Friday, October 7, 2011, 8:02 AM

Updated Friday, October 7, 2011, 10:27 AM

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Eamon Gilmore speaking at Irish America's Wall Street 50 event

Photo by Irish America Magazine

The Irish government is to introduce an awards system for outstanding members of the Diaspora, Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore has announced.

He was speaking at the opening day of the Irish Global Economics Forum in Dublin today. Two hundred and fifty Irish leaders from all over the world have flown in to take part.

President Bill Clinton is among those who will speak to the Forum in a keynote address on Saturday.

Gilmore stated that it was now time for the Irish state to acknowledge the contribution of so many outside Ireland . It was not an honors system he stated, but would give formal recognition.

US Vice-President Joe Biden invited to attend major Irish economic

Ireland is the new Wunderkid of Europe
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Gilmore also announced a new effort to rebuild ireland’s international reputation and new efforts to bolster foreign direct investment, the financial services sector, the promotion of culture abroad, tourism. and assisting exports. Former US president Bill Clinton will speak on the topic of Ireland the the influence of the Irish Diaspora.

Tourism Minister Leo Varadakar will announce a major new tourism project,”The Gathering,” which is based on the successful “Homecoming Scotland” initiative and which hopes to attract tens of thousands of new tourists back to their roots.

President Mary McAleese will also address the forum in one of her last public engagements before stepping down.

Nster.com

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Springfield9 | Oct 10, 2011, 11:56 AM EDT

The award should be given to the man with 8 children who broke his body working to get two through, school. Children put theirs through and so on, until all the children are college educated, doctors and Lawyers. Give the Award to Pat and his pick.

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joan1954 | Oct 07, 2011, 11:58 AM EDT

With regard to the United States, will it be just Boston, New York, Chicago or will the rest of us in the US diaspora, that is outside the east coast, upper midwest and west coast be included. The Irish government reps rarely come to South Texas.

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carrickcourt | Oct 07, 2011, 11:44 AM EDT

"The Gathering", a bit lost in translation I think. Gathering is often done for a family funeral. The Irish government might want to consider a different phrase perhaps "When are you coming back?", courtesy of my third cousin's wife Maggie.

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Springfield9 | Oct 07, 2011, 11:14 AM EDT

I am starting to find the "Diaspora" tempest amusing. First, I could disply the "coat of Arms" ...now we have a "Pedigree" (for 50 quid) .... and now "Awards" ..... this has to be a reaction to the idea that O'Reilly must lock the door when the last Irish Person leaves.

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