Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2018
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she continues to establish new trade links with a view to post-Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3915/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is an small open economy and dependent on international trade and investment for sustainable growth. In this context, promoting access to and deepening existing trade relationships across a diversified portfolio of export markets is a key priority and this is made even more important in light of the potential impacts of Brexit. Increased trade provides for stronger economic growth which creates employment and grows our economy. Overall, export growth in Ireland in recent years has been exceptionally strong and exports continue to contribute positively to growth.
As well as the global efforts supported by Enterprise Ireland, our policy objective is achieved through our support for the suite of EU Free Trade Agreements, and through multilateral agreements at WTO level, which both seek to deliver regulatory cooperation and reduced tariffs. The EU suite of Free Trade Agreements with third countries helps to open new markets, break down barriers and provide new opportunities for Irish firms. Brexit has reinforced the importance and the urgency of pursuing an ambitious programme of negotiations at EU level and Ireland fully supports the EU Commission's ambitious Free Trade Agreement agenda which seeks to accelerate the delivery of EU trade deals with leading economies and regional blocs.
Most recently, the EU–Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally from the 21st September 2017. This means that Irish companies may now take advantage of the all important provisions of CETA including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers and more transparent rules for market access. CETA will present new opportunities for Irish business and professionals to work and provide services in Canada.
The EU and Mexico hope to reach political agreement early this year on the modernisation of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement, to include provisions on regulatory cooperation, increased trade in agriculture and food, common sanitary standards and sustainable development. Ireland supports comparable trade conditions for investors and businesses across the Americas, making it easier for Irish businesses to trade in and enter these markets. Negotiations with the Mercosur countries continues and political agreement was reached last year with Japan on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The EU/Japan EPA has the potential to generate significant benefits for Ireland. The agri-food sector, which is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, will see particular benefits, with improved access for beef and dairy products. The Agreement will also ensure tariff elimination on medical devices and pharmaceutical products which are manufactured in Ireland.
Moreover, in his September 2017 State of the Union Address to the European Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, proposed opening trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. The draft negotiating mandates for Australia and New Zealand are currently being discussed by the Commission and Member States.
The EU’s suite of Free Trade Agreements coupled with our programme of Minister led trade missions and bilateral visits overseas have provided a key foundation on which to further build our strong economic and trading links in export markets and this will continue. Enterprise Ireland delivered an impressive programme of international trade events in 2017, giving Irish companies the opportunity to meet with potential buyers and network with key influencers in countries around the world. In total, 57 internationally focused trade events were organised by Enterprise Ireland in 2017 including ministerial-led trade missions to Canada, Singapore and Japan, the UAE and Oman, and a major trade programme as part of the Presidential State visit to Australia.
Ireland will also continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements giving Irish firms expanded market access and a predictable trading environment in third countries. To this end, my Department has commissioned a major examination of the economic opportunities and impacts for Ireland arising from EU Free Trade Agreements which we hope will be available later this year.
