4. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the composition of the new US-based strategic economic advisory panel; if the members will be remunerated; to outline the scope of the new US-based strategic economic advisory panel; if it has a terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4820/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I wish the Tánaiste well in his role and I look forward to collaborating with him. I worked very well with his brother in my previous role as chief commissioner of IHREC and I hope to collaborate with the Tánaiste similarly. My question relates to the announcement from the Department last week of the establishment of the strategic economic advisory panel, a US-based group that will advise the Government on trade issues. Will the Tánaiste please elaborate on the composition of this new US-based group? Will the members be remunerated? Will the Tánaiste outline the scope of the group and whether it has terms of reference?

Sentiment score: 0.26

I thank the Tánaiste. It is good to hear remuneration will not be part of it. I am still keen to hear more details about the terms of reference and membership. I appreciate the invitation will give details. For clarity and transparency for us as elected representatives in the Dáil, and for the Irish public, it is important that we know exactly on what conditions the group is being convened. It is very important that we have clarity on who these people are and in what context they will influence Irish trade policy. Public officials are democratically accountable to us but corporate executives are not. In the context of big business in the US encroaching even further on the democratic process, this is a challenge to be met, not a path to follow. The interests of these corporate executives, for example, may not align with those of the Irish people. It is important to know who is speaking and acting on behalf of Irish policy and what level of influence and access they will get to decision-makers such as the Minister and the Taoiseach. Further detail is required.

Sentiment score: 0.29

To reiterate, I believe a formal terms of reference would be helpful in this case, again watching out for, within that membership, the interests of big business and how much it is going to influence the policy development of this country. I appreciate the points about the diaspora and it is important that we harness that network as much as we can. It is in the context that I have mentioned where corporations are increasing their influence on democratic processes all over the globe. We need to resist that path instead of following it.

Sentiment score: 0.28