Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is good that Ms Collins is staying in that area. I have two brief questions for the Minister of State before handing over to Deputy Smith. How will this partnership and co-operation agreement improve the prospects of Irish trade?

I note Irish exports increased by 3% in 2013, while imports increased by 27%. The area in which I am particularly interested is the dairy sector, which is highly important as trade between Ireland and Vietnam is growing. While on that topic, I note Ireland also has a substantial aid programme there, which is worth approximately €10 million. How will this partnership agreement affect that aid programme in Vietnam because it now is a highly successful country? I also note Ireland has a resident embassy there, which is very important in Asia.