Trade Relations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2011

Tuesday, 4 October 2011

Questions (8)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and or his Department directly or through the Irish embassy abroad and in conjunction with the Industrial Development Agency or others have been in a position to influence the establishment of new markets for Irish produce throughout the EU or in the broader global economy; if any particular information has been obtained that might impede or negatively affect such progress; the extent to which any such issues can be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27315/11]

Oral answers (8 contributions)

Deputy Eamon Gilmore

The promotion of Irish trade and exports is a key priority for my Department. At headquarters level and through our embassy network we work closely with the IDA, which is tasked with the attraction and development of foreign investment in Ireland. We also work with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland to assist Irish companies to access markets in a number of practical ways. Our embassies provide local commercial information and raise specific issues with foreign governments, where appropriate. Priority markets for Ireland in established and emerging economies have been identified under the trading and investing in a smart economy strategy. The Export Trade Council, which met last week for the first time under my chairmanship, will keep the list of priority markets under review as well as opportunities in new markets as they emerge. It will also oversee the programme of trade missions.

Economic and trade issues will be a key element of the global Irish economic forum meeting later this week. They are also a priority for my visits to Japan and Korea next week and to Moscow in early November when I will co-chair a meeting of the joint economic commission between Ireland and Russia. My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development will shortly lead trade missions to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa.

The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on EU committees which deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers to European produce. My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development, will shortly lead trade missions to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on EU committees which deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers to European produce.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

I thank the Tánaiste for his comprehensive reply. Have any issues been identified as obstacles to the expansion of our trade and the establishment of new markets and, if so, to what extent have they been isolated with a view to our addressing them?

Deputy Eamon Gilmore

Yes. The new Export Trade Council brings together all Departments and State agencies involved in trade and export activity and representatives of the private sector. Last week at a meeting of the council we discussed some of the challenges facing Irish exporters and those engaged in trade. They include, for example, language education, a matter we intend to address further. Issues also raised with us involve the necessity for greater co-ordination between State agencies and our Embassy network. Our embassies and ambassadors will take the lead role in co-ordinating the work of the various agencies involved in order that there will be a co-ordinated single Irish approach to the expansion of trade and the attraction of investment to Ireland.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Is Deputy Durkan happy with that reply?

Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

I appreciate the intent of the question. However, I will add a caveat. When we are a party to free trade agreements, we need to ensure the natural resources of a developing country are not handed over to private enterprise in exchange for its participation in our markets. In recent decades there have been bad experiences, to say the least, with these agreements. How do we protect the long-term interests of the developing countries that engage with us?

Deputy Eamon Gilmore

The first way of doing so is to adopt a position of respect in working with the governments of developing countries, respecting their sovereignty and wishes. We must take our lead from the governments of those countries of which we are partners as to how they wish to manage their natural resources and other matters. Human rights are also a very important dimension, of which we are very conscious in the trade engagements we have with other countries.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

Has our manufacturing cost base emerged as a feature of any such promotions?

Deputy Eamon Gilmore

The cost base and the issue of competitiveness are very much at the heart of Government policy. As a country we must be competitive. The Deputy will acknowledge that there have been significant improvements in Ireland's competitiveness in recent times which are reflected in the improved position of our exports.