Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for missing some of the presentation, but based on what I have heard, I congratulate IDA Ireland on the phenomenal work it has done on behalf of Ireland Inc.

I apologise that, owing to the bank holiday weekend, I have not fully read the background documentation, but I have a couple of questions to ask. How relevant to our guests is the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, given that there are probably other more important Departments in creating employment? We are experts on Irish Aid, tackling poverty and dealing with problem countries, be they the difficulties of Balochistan in Pakistan to those in Biafra and Bosnia-Herzegovina, but none of us is particularly expert in trade or business. Therefore, how relevant is our role in the promotion of trade?

Having been involved in the Dublin-Beijing twinning arrangements and visited China a number of times, including the time a deal was signed with the mayor of Beijing, I wonder if IDA Ireland sees a role for Ireland at local government level? In particular, does it see itself having a role in capital cities with which Dublin has been twinned? Our guests will be aware, for example, that Dublin City Council has a reasonably sophisticated international office which deals constantly with companies or visitors from all around the world, including Oman, China and elsewhere.

Does the delegation think we are adequately co-ordinated with local authorities? Local authorities do excellent work in many cases. Does the delegation think we are building on the relationships that were established under the twinning arrangements? The delegation pointed out, with which I concur, that China and its people have a hierarchical attitude to governments, ministers, backbenchers, mayors and people like that.