Written Answers Nos. 541-559
541. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the announcement on 9 March 2015 by Sinn Féin to withdraw its support for the Social Welfare Bill in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11623/15]
View answer542. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the future of the Northern Ireland Executive, in view of the recent announcement of Sinn Féin on 9 March 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11624/15]
View answer543. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there will be implications for the Northern Ireland Executive following the withdrawal of support for the Social Welfare Bill by Sinn Féin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/15]
View answer544. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the implications for the Stormont House Agreement following Sinn Féin's announcement of withdrawal of its support for the Social Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11627/15]
View answer545. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet the British Secretary of State, Ms Theresa Villiers, to discuss the announcement of Sinn Féin to withdraw its support for the Social Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11630/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 541 to 545, inclusive, together.
The effective and expeditious implementation of the totality of the provisions of the Stormont House Agreement is a key priority of the Government.
It is important to ensure that the recent developments in relation to the Welfare Bill in Northern Ireland do not have a corrosive impact on the wider implementation of the Agreement. That is why the Government has encouraged all parties to stand back and consider the overall potential benefit for the people of Northern Ireland offered by the Stormont House Agreement and to ensure that this potential is fully achieved.
The Irish Government was not a party to the negotiations late last year in Stormont Castle or Stormont House which dealt specifically with budgets and financial issues. Recent and ongoing discussions on these matters take place primarily between the Northern Ireland Executive Party leaders themselves. For that reason, I have called on the Northern Ireland parties, and in particular Sinn Féin and the DUP, to work together to find a solution to the current difficulties on welfare. I know that work is ongoing by Northern Ireland’s political leaders to resolve the welfare issue, and I understand that some progress has been made.
I have stayed in close contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with Northern Ireland's party leaders on this matter. I met with them most recently at the second implementation and review meeting of the Stormont House Agreement in Belfast on 27 March. The Taoiseach also met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister during his visit to Belfast on the previous day.
In all contacts I have underlined that the success of the Agreement is contingent on the faithful implementation of the totality of its provisions. Our collective objective must be to build on the good work that has already been done towards the Agreement's implementation and to maintain forward momentum.
546. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been a meeting in his Department since December 2014 regarding the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11632/15]
View answerThe effective and expeditious implementation of the Stormont House Agreement is a major focus of the Government with a view to advancing its twin aims of economic prosperity and reconciliation for Northern Ireland. The work of implementing the Agreement continues at political and official level.
In accordance with the review and monitoring provisions of the Stormont House Agreement, quarterly review meetings are held involving the Northern Ireland Executive party leaders and the British and Irish Governments.
The second such meeting took place in Belfast on 27 March at which I represented the Government. The meeting reviewed progress made to date on the detailed implementation timeline for the Stormont House Agreement, which was agreed by the NI Executive party leaders and the two Governments at the first review meeting of 30 January.
On 11 February, I met with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers during her visit to Dublin. We discussed a broad range of issues including the next steps in the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement.
On 25 February, I represented the Government, together with Minister of State Seán Sherlock, at the North South Ministerial Council meeting in institutional format. Both First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness represented the Northern Ireland Executive. We considered a report on possible new sectoral priorities for North/South cooperation, as provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.
The next Stormont House Agreement review meeting is scheduled to take place in June. A six-monthly update on progress on implementation of the Agreement is due to be published at that time, in accordance with the review and monitoring provisions of the Agreement.
The Stormont House Agreement provides for the establishment of a number of new mechanisms to address the legacy of the past including an independent Historical Investigations Unit, an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval, an Oral History Archive and an Implementation and Reconciliation Group to oversee themes, archives and information recovery across the framework for dealing with the legacy of the past.
Primary legislation to establish the Historical Investigations Unit will be taken forward at Westminster and I understand that the intention is to bring forward legislation as soon as possible to enable the Unit to be established in 2016.
The Government has committed to putting all necessary arrangements in place, including legislation where necessary, to support the new framework on the past. Any such legislation in this jurisdiction will be a matter for consideration by the Minister for Justice and Equality in the first instance.
547. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned regarding the recent comments made by the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding a Palestinian state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12772/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 154 on 25 March 2015, which was as follows:
"The comments of Prime Minister Netanyahu before the recent election, in relation to the two state solution, were both disappointing and unwelcome. Such statements are particularly regrettable in the tense and inflammatory situation in the Middle East. We know from our own peace process how words of supposed comfort to one side can have disproportionately negative impacts on the other side.
I note that Mr. Netanyahu subsequently stated that his remarks meant only that conditions at present are not conducive to the achievement of a two state solution.
For its part, the international community has quickly reaffirmed its conviction that the two state solution remains the only viable basis for a resolution of the conflict. High Representative Mogherini on behalf of the EU, President Obama, and others, have made that point directly to Mr. Netanyahu in the course of conversations following the election.
What is most important is how the new government in Israel, which we expect Mr. Netanyahu to form, actually acts and what is set out in its Programme for Government.
The Irish Government remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All of our actions and policies at EU and international level are designed to advance the goal of peace and secure a comprehensive peace agreement at the earliest opportunity."
548. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if growing tensions between Israel and the United States of America, over relations with Iran, were discussed at the most recent European Union Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/15]
View answerNo, this issue has not been discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council.
As I have stated in reply to other Questions, the outline agreement on the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme represents a significant and very positive achievement, for which I congratulate EU High Representative Mogherini and the Foreign Ministers of all seven countries involved.
549. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that in the proposal to consider the future of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly that an Irish comprehensive review of the duplication of functions and operations be explored, in order to have a complimentary role evolve between the Parliamentary Assembly and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Vienna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15188/15]
View answerLike each of the 57 participating state governments of the OSCE, the Irish Government is represented on the key decision making bodies which are based in Vienna. These are the Permanent Council and the Forum for Security Co-Operation, both of which are accountable to the Ministerial Council.
While complementary to the work of these Vienna-based OSCE bodies, the Parliamentary Assembly is distinct in that its aim is to facilitate inter-parliamentary dialogue outside of the intergovernmental process. As such, the Assembly has its own rules and procedures, and any review of functions and operations would be for the members of the Parliamentary Assembly to decide.
The Government welcomes the valuable contribution that the Parliamentary Assembly makes to the OSCE’s overall goal of promoting peace and stability throughout Europe, and I encourage closer cooperation to this end. In particular, I value the Parliamentary Assembly's contribution to the 'Helsinki+40' reform effort that was launched by my predecessor, the then Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore as Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE in 2012. 'Helsinki +40' is a three year reform process that provides an opportunity to critically examine the OSCE's roles, structures, tools and instruments with a view to making them better suited to the peace and security challenges of the 21st Century in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian region. The Government welcomes the active engagement of the Parliamentary Assembly in this process.
Parliamentarians are well positioned to ensure the involvement of citizens in developing peace and security and in raising awareness of the work of the OSCE. They serve as a vital link between the overall work of the OSCE and the people it intends to serve. I would hope that strengthening this area of activity will be among the recommendations to emerge from the reform discussions.
550. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to ensure that an Irish citizen (details supplied) receives a fair trial in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15348/15]
View answerOur objectives in this case are clear. Firstly to see this individual released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland, and secondly to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. The considered approach and sustained action that has been taken by me and my officials in this case has been to further these objectives, and most importantly to avoid any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to his best interests.
It is important to bear in mind the role of the Irish Government where citizens are imprisoned abroad. Irrespective of any views regarding the fairness or appropriateness of any arrest abroad, the reality is that where an Irish citizen is charged with an offence under the law of a foreign country, it is the foreign law that applies and it is the relevant foreign court which decides matters such as bail and release. The decision to release this individual either on bail or on any other basis, will be a decision that is made solely by the Egyptian authorities.
Since this citizen was originally detained in August 2013, I, and officials in my Department including our Embassy in Cairo, have raised this case with the Egyptian authorities regularly and consistently. In addition, he has received consular visits from Embassy officials on 37 occasions. I can confirm that the Irish Government has formally supported both the application by this citizen's lawyers for his release and return to Ireland under the November Presidential decree, and the more recent application for his release on bail. Our official support for this citizen's release has been duly communicated to the Egyptian authorities in formal diplomatic notes that have been included in the documentation submitted to the court and the authorities by his lawyer.
I have also spoken to my Egyptian counterpart on numerous occasions, both in person and on the telephone. On 4 March I met with Assistant Foreign Minister Hisham Badr and discussed the case with him in some detail. On 2 April I spoke again with my Egyptian counterpart, Minister Shoukry to underline the Government's support for the formal applications that have been made for this individual's release – both for the formal application for bail, and for the application that has been made for release under the Presidential decree on foreign prisoners. I also took the opportunity to highlight key humanitarian concerns – including this individual's youth, his absence from his studies and the length of time in detention without conviction.
The individual's trial has started, with the next hearing scheduled for 26 April. All of the information we have received indicates that it is highly unlikely that there will be any decision as regards his release until the court makes its decisions. We continue to review our approach and actions in this case, but we are guided at all times by the two key objectives set out above. Given that the trial has now commenced and a formal petition for his release on bail is currently being considered by the Egyptian courts, my Department must exercise restraint in its public comment. This is entirely consistent with our approach in other consular cases, in line with our clear objectives in this case and what we firmly believe to be in this citizen's best interests and to be most likely to contribute to a positive outcome for him.
We remain in ongoing contact with this individual and his family, and will continue to offer full consular support.
551. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the countries, which his Department currently advise caution on, when travelling to; the way his Department promotes this advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15349/15]
View answerTravel advice for individual countries worldwide, including the level of caution recommended, is available on my Department's website at https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/.
This advice is published in order to make useful information available to assist Irish citizens in making well informed decisions when planning their trips and when travelling. Irish Embassies closely monitor developments in countries to which they are accredited and, together with the Department's Consular Division, advise on events or developments of which our citizens should be aware while travelling or working abroad.
This travel advice is updated as necessary to reflect developments in the relevant countries, and kept under ongoing review so as to ensure up to date and important information is provided to Irish citizens.
My Department promotes this information through our website at the webpage given above. It is also my Department's practice to issue further, and particularly urgent, travel advice updates using the twitter feed @dfatravel.
552. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the locations that Ireland House exists in around the world; his plans to expand this concept to other locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15351/15]
View answerIn 1987, the Government formulated a policy to bring together, where feasible, our diplomatic and consular missions abroad and the offices of state agencies in a single location, designated as "Ireland House". The policy has been implemented on a gradual basis over the intervening years. The precise model for implementing such an arrangement would, of course, vary and have to reflect local conditions and other factors. In all cases, the arrangement is one designed to increase the impact of Ireland’s presence abroad, to improve coordination among all parties, and to maximise cost-efficiencies.
There are a number of types of Ireland House which include our diplomatic and consular missions abroad and the offices of state agencies operating from the same premises. These are currently operating in 19 locations overseas. The largest is in New York and comprises the Consulate General, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA in addition to other agencies including Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia, the American Ireland Fund and CIE Tours.
Missions at Boston, Brussels, Budapest, Prague, Riyadh and Warsaw share premises with Enterprise Ireland. Our missions at Austin, Moscow, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo accommodate both Enterprise Ireland and IDA offices. The Consulate General in Shanghai shares premises with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, and also Bord Bia and an agent for Tourism Ireland; the Ireland House in Madrid includes offices of Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland, together with the Embassy. Other configurations prevail elsewhere, including at Embassy Beijing, which shares premises with the IDA; Embassies Stockholm and New Delhi share space with Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia; and Ireland’s Consulate General in Atlanta operates from the same location as the IDA.
In addition, there are a number of other locations where state agencies share facilities with each other in the form of an Ireland House, which does not include the Irish diplomatic mission to that particular country. For example, in Paris, the IDA, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and BIM operate an Ireland House.
The Ireland House concept has been implemented where practicable and further opportunities are considered whenever missions or agencies are opening or moving to new locations. I can confirm that the scope for further implementation of the Ireland House concept is being actively pursued in the context of the current expansion of the diplomatic network, not only in relation to Austin, Texas, mentioned above, but at other locations as well.
553. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his goals in shaping the post-2015 development agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15352/15]
View answerIreland is co-facilitating the intergovernmental negotiations at the United Nations to agree a framework for global development to succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) after 2015. The new sustainable development agenda should be adopted at a major UN summit of world leaders in New York in September. It will involve a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will complete the work of the MDGs on the eradication of extreme poverty and will also put sustainable development at the core. The SDGs will be universal in nature and address development challenges through social, environmental and economic actions in low, middle and high-income countries alike. They will address a wide range of areas including MDG priorities such as food and nutrition, but also broader challenges, including on climate, sustainable production and consumption, and peace and governance.
Ireland has taken a leading role in shaping the post-2015 Development agenda having facilitated EU discussions and Council Conclusions during our EU Presidency in 2013, and co-facilitated the Special Event on the MDGs at the UN in September 2013. In the drafting of Goals and Targets for the new agenda, Ireland worked in a team with Denmark and Norway in the Open Working Group at the UN, where we set out our key priorities for the global development agenda up to 2030. These included the fight to end hunger and undernutrition, gender equality and women's empowerment, and good governance and rule of law. We have advocated for strong goals and targets in each of these key areas, and we have emphasised the need to incorporate human rights in the new development framework, reduce global inequality and protect the role of civil society.
Ireland's positions in the UN negotiations are agreed through a whole-of-Government coordination process involving all relevant Government Departments. We are working with our EU partners to ensure that the process will culminate in a successful outcome in September and that the new SDGs, which will have a profound impact on the lives of the world’s poor, will reflect our priorities and galvanise action to end extreme poverty and hunger by 2030.
This year will also see major international conferences on the financing of the SDGs in Addis Ababa from the 13-16 July and on a new agreement on Climate Change in Paris in December. The second session of negotiations on the Financing for Development process took place from 13 to 17 April, in New York, and the fourth session of the intergovernmental negotiations on post-2015 will be from 20 to 24 of April.
554. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form Ireland's import and export figures relating to trade with Egypt for the years 2007 to 2014. [15585/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the following table which details the information requested. The source for this data is the Central Statistics Office.
Bilateral Trade with Egypt
|
Year |
Imports (€ 000) |
Exports (€ 000) |
|
2007 |
62,859 |
481,453 |
|
2008 |
76,366 |
233,130 |
|
2009 |
76,184 |
316,902 |
|
2010 |
83,956 |
428,424 |
|
2011 |
95,937 |
474,447 |
|
2012 |
94,039 |
422,648 |
|
2013 |
60,867 |
458,458 |
|
2014* |
25,505 |
166,741 |
*The 2014 figure is for merchandise trade only. Unlike the figures for 2007-2013, it does not include trade in services as this data is not yet available.
555. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, at European Union and United Nations level, he and his colleagues, have become aware of the systematic persecution, abduction and killing of innocent women and girls, and Christians, by Boko Haram, Islamic States of Iraq and Syria, Al Shabab and associated groups; if any particular initiative will be taken in the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15685/15]
View answerThe brutal activities of terrorist groups such as al Shabab, Boko Haram and ISIS involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls, and are a direct threat to education and education facilities. The abduction just over a year ago by Boko Haram of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in north-eastern Nigeria and the recent appalling killing of more than 140 young students at Garissa University in north-eastern Kenya are not only tragic, but a challenge to fundamental elements of any free and just society.
These attacks, and similar terrorist acts in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, target innocent, defenceless people, often in their places of education or worship. They also target our values, including the right to an education, freedom of expression, freedom of religious belief, pluralism, democracy, tolerance and human dignity.
Ireland has joined with the international community in consistently condemning the violence being perpetrated by terrorist groups such as al Shabab, Boko Haram and ISIS. We have been particularly strong advocates of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for increased participation of women in peace-making and peace-building; for greater protection for women and girls in armed conflict; and for a gender perspective to be incorporated into peace-keeping and peace-building. We will continue to encourage all UN member states to fully implement this resolution so that women and girls may be better protected from the horrific effects of armed conflicts.
On 14 January, I launched Ireland's second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2015-2018) which renewed our commitment to tackling the dreadful impact of conflict on women and girls. The action plan is designed to ensure that a gender perspective is incorporated into Ireland’s engagement in overseas humanitarian and development aid, peace-keeping, governance, post-conflict activities and interventions, and to bolster Ireland's ongoing work on protection from and prevention of gender-based violence.
556. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Euro scepticism has featured in any discussions at European Union Council level, or otherwise, with particular reference to addressing the extent to which Euro scepticism is likely to obstruct the European project; if any particular emphasis has been placed on the inevitability of negative consequences for the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15686/15]
View answer557. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to address issues of Euro scepticism within the European Union, which if left unchecked will inevitably lead to a diminution of the influence of the European Union, with consequences for Member States and particularly the smaller Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15687/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 557 together.
As the Deputy is aware, citizens' trust and confidence in the EU and its institutions has been negatively affected by the depth and duration of the financial and economic crisis in the Union and its Member States.
It is welcome therefore that the evidence suggests that Europe is now emerging from this deep and protracted recession. 2015 is the first year since the onset of the crisis in which all Member State economies are expected to record growth. That said, it is clear that much remains to be done by Member States to support investment, growth and job creation and to ensure that the current recovery is truly sustainable.
This has been and will continue to be the key focus of the Government, both nationally and working with our EU colleagues in the Member States and the institutions.
President Jean-Claude Juncker has highlighted as his key tasks the need to rebuild bridges in Europe after the crisis; to restore European citizens' confidence; to focus the Union's policies on the key challenges ahead for our economies and for our societies, and to strengthen democratic legitimacy on the basis of the Community method. These are goals which we fully share and support.
Here at home, the Government is committed to developing and increasing public understanding and knowledge about our membership of the EU and its benefits. This includes targeted spending on EU engagement, including support for the activities of local community groups and non-governmental organisations through the Communicating Europe Initiative. We also work closely with the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin to improve communications on EU issues in Ireland and to promote greater understanding of the EU.
It is also noteworthy that, notwithstanding the very difficult circumstances in which last year's European parliament elections were held, a substantial majority of the electorate supported pro-EU parties and candidates.
558. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in the Ukraine continues to feature in discussions at European Union level, with particular reference to the need to maximise efforts for lasting ceasefire and peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15688/15]
View answerThe EU continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine and EU leaders held an in-depth discussion on the situation at the March European Council meeting. The full implementation of the agreements reached in Minsk on 12 February, including a lasting ceasefire, remains the focus of the EU's efforts, as it offers the best chance to create the conditions necessary for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. EU Heads of State and Government have agreed that any decisions in relation to EU sanctions should be linked to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements.
The OSCE has reported an improvement in the overall security situation in Ukraine since the peace deal was agreed in Minsk. However, I am very concerned at reports of an increase in violations of the ceasefire in recent days. This was discussed by the Foreign Ministers of Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia at a meeting in Berlin last week. The Ministers called on all sides to stop the fighting, demonstrate their commitment to fully implement the ceasefire and complete the withdrawal of heavy weapons.
It is important that these calls are heeded so that progress can be achieved on other key elements of the Minsk peace deal. It is also imperative that the OSCE Mission is given complete and unfettered access to all parts of the conflict zone in order to be able to verify the full extent of heavy weapons withdrawal.
It is clear that the situation remains fragile and we will continue to monitor developments on the ground. As agreed by the European Council, the EU stands ready to take action as necessary in ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable and peaceful resolution to this crisis.
559. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which his Department, in conjunction with other Government Departments, continues to promote trade and commercial activity, through the various industries worldwide, with particular reference to the importance of promoting Irish produce and establishing new trade links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15689/15]
View answer564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which this country continues to establish new markets abroad, for various Irish products such as agri-food, information technology and pharmaceuticals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15694/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 559 and 564 together.
Advancing Ireland's trade, tourism, education and investment objectives, as well as economic diplomacy more generally, is a key priority in Ireland's foreign policy and in the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Embassy network.
The Government's Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, 'Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, 2010 - 2015', identified a number of numerical targets to be achieved by the end of 2015 across five high level areas: jobs, exports, diversification of exports, tourism, and inward investment. These targets were revised in the Review of Government Trade Strategy, published in February 2014, which included the addition of a numerical target in international education. The implementation of these targets is monitored by the Export Trade Council, which I chair.
The numerical targets are, for the most part, not industry-specific. However we work in close cooperation with the relevant Departments and State agencies responsible for all industry sectors.
In terms of overall exports, including in the IT and pharmaceutical sectors, we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland, particularly through the organisation and coordination of the annual Enterprise Ireland programme of Ministerial-led trade missions and events. Early each year I agree the annual programme with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, based on the proposals submitted by Enterprise Ireland and focused on the priority markets of interest to their client companies.
In the case of the agri-food industry, we cooperate closely with Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in promoting the Irish food and beverage sector internationally. With the active engagement of our Embassy network, we have had a number of recent high-level successes. A notable example includes Ireland becoming in 2015 the only European country to have access to both the US and the Chinese beef markets.
With regard to developing new markets for Irish products, while the majority of Irish services and merchandise exports go to Europe and the US, and we must continue to cultivate these markets, the Government is also strongly focused on the further development of trading partnerships with other important emerging markets.
As part of the review of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, seven additional high potential and exploratory markets were identified to increase our engagement with high growth markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
Following the Review, eight new Embassies and Consulates were opened in the past year to take advantage of emerging opportunities in important markets and to complement the existing trade promotion work of our Embassy network.
The Embassy network plays a crucial role in proactively addressing market access issues, supporting Irish businesses seeking to grow overseas, holding promotional events for, and in association with, State agencies, as well as actively contributing to the organisation and conduct of Ministerial-led trade missions and events overseas.
