Vol. 448 No. 8
5 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current progress on the establishment of an Ireland House in major cities throughout the world in which the various Irish promotional and commercial agencies can operate under one roof. [2929/95]
13 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current progress on the establishment of an Ireland House in major cities throughout the world in which the various Irish promotional and commercial agencies can operate under one roof. [2929/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 13 together.
Ireland's representation in Japan including all the State agencies and the Irish Embassy, is about to be consolidated under one roof in Ireland House, Tokyo, which will be officially opened later this month. Deputies will be aware that Ireland's representation in New York was brought together in a similar manner some time ago. The State agencies also share accommodation in London, Paris, Dusseldorf, Milan and Hong Kong. In addition, some of the State agencies share embassy premises in Beijing, Seoul, Moscow, Riyadh, Madrid and Helsinki
The further rationalisation of Ireland's promotional representation abroad will be kept under review to ensure the best possible use of the resources available.
Does the Minister agree that this is a worthwhile initiative and one that should be accelerated as it appears from his reply that the rate of progress does not seem to be very encouraging? I am sure from the experience to date that it is the correct step and that substantial benefit has been derived from the move to bring them under one roof. I would have liked to have heard the Minister say it is his intention to seek to have this achieved in other destinations in addition to the ones he mentioned.
The idea behind the "Ireland House" concept is to maximise the impact of Ireland's promotional representation abroad and obviously a cost is involved. I support this concept but it cannot be completed overnight. As I said, many of our State agencies share space with the Irish Embassy and I have also outlined cities in which there is an "Ireland House". I will certainly be supportive of this concept although the Deputy will understand the practical difficulties of acquiring suitable premises, making arrangements in respect of leases and personnel as well as the cost involved. The overall concept is to develop and maximise our selling power abroad, something I strongly support.
Would I be right to come to the conclusion that there was a burst of enthusiasm for achieving this objective in the early stages probably due to the urgings of an enthusiastic Minister or Minister of State, but that the impetus seems to have gone out of it? If the Minister was to read out all those locations where this has not yet happened, it would be a very long list.
And on a worldwide scale it would be enormous. In November last year it was agreed that a modest feasibility study of the possibilities of further consolidation of our representation in Madrid would be followed through. For instance, in Tokyo the "Ireland House" will accommodate the activities of the Irish Embassy, IDA (Ireland), An Bord Tráchtála, An Bord Bia, Bord Fáilte, Aer Lingus and FÁS (International). The "Ireland House" concept is good, it will take time to achieve what we would like but we will press on.
Will the Minister give an assurance to the House that he will promote enthusiastically the expansion of this change?
We will follow it through and study the most recent feasibility study commissioned in respect of Madrid. In cases where we sponsor international events or international organisations, for instance, the Jordan Grand Prix Formula One Team, I expect that our consular offices and embassies, where relevant, will encourage the promotion of Ireland during major international events. That is in parallel with the concept of an "Ireland House".
6 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to liaise with trade organisations in Northern Ireland in promotion of trade on an all-Ireland basis; if he has met with trade organisations in Northern Ireland; and, if not, when he proposes to do so. [2261/95]
By "trade organisations", I take it that the Deputy is referring to the State agencies in the North which have responsibility for trade promotion, namely the Industrial Development Board and the local enterprise development unit.
Their counterpart in the South, An Bord Tráchtála, for which I have responsibility, has developed a good working relationship, involving regular contact, with the Industrial Development Board and Local Enterprise Development Unit. In recent years this contact has extended into organising programmes and events with the objective of developing North-South trade and bringing companies from all over the island together to create a stronger impact in overseas markets.
The Deputy might also wish to be aware that, at ministerial level, the development of cross-Border trade and the joint promotion of Irish products abroad were issues which I discussed with Baroness Denton, the Minister for Economic Development in Northern Ireland, when we met last week.
What the Minister intends doing is very welcome, nevertheless there is a need in the interests of the island for an all-Ireland council of trade with cross-Border continuation of a response to the joint needs of Ireland in the international context. Would the Minister not consider this a logical extension of this thinking?
My ambition is to make it easier for the Northern Ireland trade organisations and ABT to continue close working relationships in the promotion of trade on an All Ireland basis. ABT is involved in a three year promotional programme in the US called "The Look is Ireland". Deputy Andrews was at the recent showcase in the RDS attended by over 1,000 buyers and 60 exhibitors from Northern Ireland. In conjunction with the closer working relationships in the tourism industry there is welcome co-ordination between trade bodies North and South. With the advent of the peace process it is more feasible for firms in the 26 Counties to do business with firms in the Six Counties and vice versa. The element of competition will increase proportionately.
ABT and IDB are doing a good job in pursuing their organisations' objectives in the North South context. I hope the framework document will address this issue in a cross Border context and that we have an all Ireland council for tourism and one for trade. Such a council is crying out to be set up. Now that we are enjoying peace would the Minister agree that he should pursue this as a matter of urgency at the Anglo Irish Conference and perhaps seek a special slot from the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Sir Patrick Mayhew to address the conference on these issues.
Details of the conference are being worked out. The Deputy's suggestion is worthwhile and I would be happy to do that. The end objective of the Deputy's aspiration is very welcome. Pending the production of the framework document and the conclusions that will emerge, it is my ambition to continue to foster closer working relationship with both the tourism and trade organisations North and South for everyone concerned.
The Minister mentioned the conference which will be addressed by President Clinton and held in Washington in May to encourage US investment in Ireland. I assume that will be a two way process and that the Minister will look to the US for trade and do that by way of seeking financial assistance or otherwise.
ABT, Bord Fáilte and my Department will promote Ireland vigorously.
