Neale Richmond
Question:188. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Switzerland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/20]
View answerThursday, 19 November 2020
Questions (188)
Written answers
Ireland and Switzerland enjoy close bilateral relations. As Ireland's fifth largest merchandise trade partner, Switzerland is a significant trading partner for Ireland: total merchandise trade amounted to €7.2bn in 2018 of which €6.4bn were exports and €700m imports. Switzerland is Ireland’s ninth largest services trading partner: Irish services exports amounted to €3.3bn in 2016 and imports to €3.2bn. A protocol amending the convention for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and on capital between Ireland and Switzerland entered into force last month.
Switzerland is also a growing market for Irish tourism. Tourism figures to Ireland from Switzerland have been growing substantially in recent years, with an 8% increase in 2018 to 120,000 visitors per year. However, tourism figures for 2020 will undoubtedly be severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We share similar viewpoints on international relations, including the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, and the importance of development aid, all of which allow for strong co-operation in multilateral fora such as the United Nations.
My Department held senior official consultations with Swiss officials in Dublin in October 2019, and we intend to hold another round of senior official consultations with Switzerland in the coming months. These are likely to be held virtually if COVID travel restrictions prevent an in-person meeting.
On EU-Swiss relations, Ireland believes that the conclusion of the Institutional Framework Agreement (IFA) would help develop the full potential of the economic relationship between Switzerland and the EU, and to consolidate our links and deepen relations. Legal certainty and a level-playing field will benefit both EU and Swiss economic operators on the internal market, and the agreement will enable Switzerland to obtain further market access in new areas, such as electricity. Ireland supports the European Commission in its approach to the IFA and hopes that a swift conclusion can be reached.
Questions Nos. 189 and 190 answered with Question No. 183.