Irish ambassadors from all over the world gathered in Dublin this morning for a two-day conference on promoting Ireland abroad.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore made the opening address to the 76 ambassadors and heads of mission at the Department's Iveagh House.
Mr Gilmore told the ambassadors that the task at home is to put in place the right mix of strong and effective policies.
He said that the ambassadors must engage with key opinion formers abroad to sell those policies.
The Tánaiste said Ireland's foreign service has had to handle issues affecting its sovereignty throughout its history.
He said that economic sovereignty is in question today and the country is looking to the diplomatic service to restore it.
The conference was also to hear from Taoiseach Enda Kenny, as well as business leader and some of the Government's economic advisers.
