World Economic Forum
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-22
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Alan Dillon (FG), Mayo

I again thank the Deputy for raising this important topic. He has made his case very articulately and has demonstrated as well as anybody could the positive impact global international trade has had on this country in terms of our economic growth and our resilience over the past number of years. It is important that Ireland continues to have a presence at Davos. It underscores our position as a stable, pro-enterprise, pro-business and innovative economy and as a trusted partner for many large, powerful companies and for global leaders who want to engage with Ireland as they navigate technological changes, geopolitical challenges and talent transformation. From engaging with IDA Ireland within the Department, I know events like the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum are very important. It affords high-leverage opportunities to engage directly with senior decision-makers, current clients and priority target companies. This is important at a time when strategic investment decisions are actively being shaped. That is a challenge we have endured in recent months, especially with the trade tariffs and the tension they bring between the EU and the US and to many other trade agreements.
Hosting the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, involving a co-ordinated engagement between the Government, IDA Ireland and a flagship event involving some of the world's most influential companies, would deepen our senior relationships and reinforce confidence in Ireland. We certainly would like to see the proposal advance to a more concrete outcome that would support our economy, jobs, growth and competitiveness into the future.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:32+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-22