Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan will this week convene a three-day gathering of Ireland's ambassadors to be addressed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton.

Former president Mary Robinson, the UN secretary-general's special envoy on climate change, will also speak to ambassadors and consuls-general at the Representing the Global Island event at Dublin Castle.

Mr Flanagan said the senior diplomats would meet executives from more than 40 Irish companies to discuss how embassies could help them succeed in international markets. “The 80 department missions around the world maintain diplomatic relations on behalf of Ireland with 176 states,” Mr Flanagan said.

“I am determined to enhance the partnerships that exist between the department and Irish business. This week we will hear from senior executives from Avolon, Glanbia and PM Group on how our missions can best support the continued growth of Irish companies.”