Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
149. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline in detail what steps the Government is taking to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with European Union member states in light of recent global political developments. [49713/23]
View answerIreland’s co-operation and engagement with our EU partners is an essential part of the response to the geopolitical challenges that we face. We are committed to deepening relationships and alliances with EU Member States, as we are with the EU Institutions.
Ireland has a long-standing policy of maintaining embassies in each EU Member State – reflective of the value we place on diplomatic engagement with our EU partners. Our network of embassies, consulates and state agencies make a central contribution to achieving the Government's trade and investment objectives by coordinating this work in key markets, many of which exist within the EU. The Eurozone is now the second largest export market for Enterprise Ireland clients, with exports up 28% to €7.92bn in 2022.
Under the Global Ireland Strategy we committed to strengthening our diplomatic and enterprise agency presence within the European Union, and we have followed through on that commitment. We have bolstered our presence in key locations across the union, most recently opening a Consulate General in Lyon with work under way to open Consulates in Milan and Munich. Ireland has deepened existing alliances through dedicated strategies and actions plans for the Nordic region, France and Germany, which have delivered in the areas of trade, energy, education and people-to-people.
Ireland continues to strengthen and deepen our prosperity and influence, whilst being committed to a multilateral, rules-based order that supports our ability to trade in a fair and sustainable way. Our Trade and Investment Strategy for 2022-2026 aims to deepen and extend our economic relations, including in Europe.
