At a pivotal time of instability in the world, Ireland has a unique opportunity. Ireland is in a strong position internationally as a committed member of the European Union and with our diplomatic and trading relationships with the United States, the UK and China. We occupy a space that few small countries can match. We are a country that can bring people together and create the conditions for constructive engagement. The Minister of State may have seen that yesterday it was reported that the current co-chair of the World Economic Forum, Larry Fink, said that the World Economic Forum should start something new by meeting in places where modern industries are actually being built. He specifically named Dublin as a prime example of where the World Economic Forum could find itself. Dublin is a bustling working city where the people who are shaping the global economy live. Ireland is one of the most business-friendly locations in Europe, underpinned by a Government committed to supporting enterprise innovation. Ranking as the most competitive economy in the eurozone and seventh most competitive globally, Dublin has firmly established itself as a global centre for financial services. There are now over 430 internationally focused financial service companies operating here, employing more than 50,000 people. Among them are 17 of the top 20 global banks and 11 of the world's 15 largest insurance companies. Their presence means that Ireland has become one of the largest exporters of financial services in the European Union and, indeed, the world, according to data from the World Trade Organization. Dublin was recently ranked first in Europe for economic potential in the fDi Intelligence major European cities of the future report. The city is also placed second overall, accounting for its strong business friendliness and FDI strategy. We are a transatlantic gateway with direct access to both the European and North American markets. As the only native English-speaking country in the European Union, Ireland provides a unique advantage for global firms navigating European operations. The city is also one of the most globally connected, connected by Dublin Airport, which is one of the top 20 in the world. I echo the words of the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, where he set out how middle-sized countries are not without influence. They can help shape a global order grounded in respect for human rights, sustainable development and the sovereignty of states. Ireland has been doing this since the foundation of the State, and we must continue to ensure that we are using our voice, our relationships and our credibility to contribute meaningfully to that work. We have always understood the value of engagement, whether through our role in the European Union, our peacekeeping records, our development partnerships or our diplomatic ties across continents. Ireland has consistently shown that constructive participation can make a difference. That approach is needed now more than ever. Mark Carney said at Davos: We shouldn't allow the rise of hard power to blind us to the fact that the power of legitimacy, integrity and rules will remain strong - if we choose to wield them together. The World Economic Forum has been held in Davos since 1971. The co-convenor has said it is time for the forum to move to a working hub and not a showcase city. The forum wants to remain relevant to the real economy. With Dublin being among the most connected and competitive cities in Europe, we really should seize this opportunity. Will the Government take up this call to potentially have Dublin as a future host of the World Economic Forum?

Sentiment score: 0.28

It is really important that we demonstrate ambition and hold up our hand. Our holding of the EU Presidency this year could well be a very good dress rehearsal that enables us to present Ireland in the light in which many of the millions of people working every day of the week in this country see it and who are so proud of what Ireland is, what it represents and of our culture and values. For perhaps the first time in a very long time, the World Economic Forum reminded us yesterday that there is a bit of hope for the world in which most of us, collectively in this Chamber, believe. Mark Carney set out that the old order is over but that the new one we are trying to create does not mean we get rid of all the foundations that made a world that was the kind of one we wanted it to be and created wealth in ways that were deemed unimaginable decades ago, largely built upon an open, free trade model that has been so successful for this country. Who better to promote that market economy than a country like Ireland that has benefited so well from it? As the Minister of State said, it speaks to what we have achieved in this country that we would even be talked about in this vein and that Dublin could host one of the most significant global summits. It speaks volumes that this was suggested by the co-convenor of the forum, who is co-founder of a company, BlackRock, that has many employees based in Ireland. I am very glad that the Government will seize this opportunity, should it arise, and that it is ready to take on that ambition.

Sentiment score: 0.62