[caption id="attachment_67289" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Gilmore speaking to reporters at the Global Irish Economic Forum."]
Irish people living in countries around the world are to be honored in a new annual awards ceremony for outstanding service to the country.
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said the system would formally recognize individuals of the Irish diaspora for "sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or Irish communities abroad."
Speaking during the Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin at the weekend, Mr. Gilmore said the government was looking to celebrate the diaspora.
"Irish people have rightly taken pride in the achievements of our people abroad and of their contribution to this nation's development," he said.
"I believe it is now time for the state to reflect this pride by establishing a formal way in which the outstanding contribution made to this country and our people abroad by individual members of the Irish diaspora can be acknowledged."
Mr. Gilmore said he would shortly bring detailed proposals on the awards system to the government.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny told delegates the forum was an "outstanding opportunity" to set out a platform for a new beginning for the country.
"My vision is to make Ireland the best small country in the world in which to do business by 2016. To make my country synonymous with genius, with entrepreneurship, with vision and innovation.
"I intend to make that vision a reality," Kenny said.
