Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
386. 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. [4181/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs’ Mission Network, Embassies and Consulates General, play an important role in advancing Ireland’s international trade as a key component 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 Mission 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 involved 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 Missions in locations as diverse as Wellington, and Bogotá, as well as in Santiago de Chile, and Amman. Plans are advanced to open Embassies in 2021 in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat, and a Consulate General covering the north of England, in Manchester.
New Missions have been 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 Missions 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, phyto-sanitary issues, and double taxation agreements.
The mission network also supports Irish businesses in market, by providing contacts and information, organising visits overseas by ministers, and supporting trade missions, in partnership with the state agencies.
