Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
405. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish trade missions abroad continue to make successful conclusion in respect of the promotion of Irish exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24673/21]
View answer407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish consulates overseas are engaged with the promotion of Irish exports with particular reference to issues arising in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24675/21]
View answer413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to extend trade links globally through consulates and embassies with particular reference to the need to replace losses through Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24681/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 405, 407 and 413 together.
Organising visits overseas by Ministers, and supporting trade missions, in partnership with the State Agencies is a very important part of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Embassy network. Trade missions contribute significantly to the development of our trade and economic relationship with key markets. Opportunities for such visits will be pursued with vigour as soon as circumstances allow.
Embassies and Consulates General play an important role in advancing Ireland’s international trade agenda as part of Team Ireland overseas. They provide support for Ireland’s State Agencies, including through supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets. The role of the Embassy network in supporting the promotion of exports is particularly pertinent in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.
Since the referendum result in 2016, we have been taking steps to build up the resilience of the economy in the face of Brexit. This included actions across the whole of Government, including through Ireland Connected, to diversify trade beyond the UK market while working to consolidate the exports we currently send to the UK.
In June 2018, the Government launched the Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Global Ireland's targets include enhanced global engagement, the expansion of Ireland’s Embassy network and strengthening of Ireland’s State Agency presence overseas. Each of these measures will increase Ireland’s international visibility, facilitate market diversification and intensification, and deepen bilateral relations in support of the Government’s economic and political objectives, including in the context of Brexit.
To date, the Government has approved funding for new Embassy in locations Latin America, the Pacific region and the Middle East. Embassies are due to open later this year in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat, and a Consulate General covering the north of England, in Manchester.
New Embassies and Consulates General are being opened in locations chosen on the basis, inter alia, of their potential to diversify our markets, to increase trade and investment with Ireland, and to enable Irish companies to better take advantage of new opportunities.
As of 1 January 2021, the UK is outside the seamless trading environment of the EU Single Market and Customs Union. Officers based at all Embassies and Consulates General continuously engage in economic and public diplomacy to promote Irish exports and to advance Ireland’s prosperity and raise awareness of Ireland as a place to live, study, work, visit and do business.
They engage on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phytosanitary issues, and double taxation agreements. The mission network also supports Irish businesses in market, by providing contacts and information.
