Over 100 business leaders from all over the world will fly into Ireland in September to take part in the first ever diaspora conference hosted by the Irish government.

The event will take place at Farmleigh House in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, and the hope is for the combined intellectual and business power of those present will help come up with solutions to Ireland’s desperate economy.

The diaspora conference is the first major step by the Irish government to address the issue of how the country can benefit from its powerful voice abroad.

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen has made this issue a priority, to his credit, since he came into office.

This conference and its aftermath will be the first steps in seeking to ensure that the global Irish will no longer be just an afterthought in Irish life, but rather something that can be used for mutual benefit for all concerned.