Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
66. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to companies in certain European Union member states that are refusing to deliver supply products to this State, and who are citing Brexit as their reasoning; and if he will raise this matter at an EU level. [38203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to goods exports and imports. These statistics can be found on the website www.cso.ie.
My Department is monitoring the performance of various sectors as trade with the European Union, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world continues to be impacted not only by Brexit but also by the global pandemic and other geopolitical factors. Nevertheless, I can report that, in a record year for trade, the value of goods imported into Ireland in 2021 from the EU26 increased by €4 billion, from €30.3 billion to €34.3 billion, or 13% compared to 2020, representing 33% of total imports.
Ireland of course benefits from our status as integral part of the EU Single Market, which allows for the continuing growth of two-way trade with other EU countries, and indeed allows Irish companies to benefit from the EU's growing network of Free Trade Agreements with countries around the world, the most recent of which, namely the FTA with New Zealand, was signed earlier this month in Brussels. I would of course investigate any instance of companies refusing to supply products to Ireland owing to Brexit-related matters. The Government is continuing to support Irish enterprises as they deal with the consequences of the UK leaving the EU.
