Jerry Buttimer
Question:141. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on his visit to Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18348/13]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2013
Questions (141)
Written answers
As part of the Governments Ministerial-led St Patrick’s Day “Promote Ireland” programme, I undertook a 4-day, 4-city trade, investment and tourism mission to Germany. Germany is Europe’s largest economy and one of Ireland’s top-4 trading partners. In 2012 Irish goods exports to Germany, at over €7.5billion, were up 20% on 2011. Germany is also the world’s third-largest source of tourists to Ireland, with over 400,000 German tourists visiting Ireland in 2012.
My St Patrick’s Day programme focused on building on the strong relationships that exist already, further grow our exports and create the jobs we need. My programme included:
- 9 bilateral meetings with IDA and Enterprise Ireland target companies
- A trade/investment event with over 100 companies
- 5 Irish tourism/cultural events
- 2 Bord Bia events to promote Irish food exports
- Interviews with German media as part of the continuing drive to rebuild Ireland’s reputation
I am confident that this jobs focused trade and investment-related programme has helped Enterprise Ireland clients cement relationships with their German partners and win access to key decision-makers in target sectors which should facilitate employment growth. It has also helped German investors to continue to see Ireland as an attractive location for foreign direct investment and further expand operations and employment in Ireland.