Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish Embassies abroad continue to be actively involved in the promotion of increased volumes of trade with this country with particular reference to the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29034/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs’ mission network plays an important role in promoting Irish trade throughout the world. In the aftermath of Brexit, this has become more important than ever.
This network of embassies and consulates is central to the Team Ireland approach, which sees Government Departments and State Agencies working closely with other Irish stakeholders to strengthen Ireland's international reputation and drive the development of trade, investment and tourism. The mission network engages in economic and public diplomacy to advance Ireland’s prosperity, as part of overall duties to promote Ireland's interests and support our citizens. They also support Ministerial visits and trade missions, in partnership with Team Ireland colleagues. Missions also work more specifically on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phytosanitary issues, and double taxation agreements. The role of the network in promoting and protecting Irish trade interests is particularly important in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.
The Department is guided in this work by the Government's Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has lead responsibility for this strategy, which sets out seven priority actions. The Department of Foreign Affairs is strongly supporting its implementation, at home and abroad, working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other departments.
The Government's Global Ireland strategy, which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025, is also key. Working together as Team Ireland overseas is at the heart of the strategy. Ongoing implementation is enhancing Ireland’s international visibility, facilitating market diversification and intensification, and deepening bilateral relations in support of our economic and political objectives.
Ireland’s economic relationship with the UK remains of key strategic importance. While the loss of pre-Brexit trading arrangements with the United Kingdom has been challenging, the Government worked from the outset to support traders in managing the permanent change brought for them by Brexit. Following the initial period of adjustment, the trading environment has largely settled, although the UK’s phased introduction of import controls, starting later this year, will require further changes for many, particularly those in the agri-food sector. The agreement on the Windsor Framework also offers the beginning of a new, more cooperative phase in the EU-UK relationship, maximising the opportunities of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Ireland’s network of missions will continue to work closely with businesses, Government Departments and State Agencies in adjusting to the new post-Brexit EU-UK trading environment.
