John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many of the IDA staff operate from our embassies such that they have close association with Irish businesspeople and Irish communities in those countries. The Asia-Pacific strategy is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which does an excellent job. I have also visited China and Japan, where the influence of Ireland is notable. There are also 420 collaborations through Science Foundation Ireland in many countries across the world, including Asia, South America and so on. The Irish footprint is developing strategically well in these areas. As I said, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland operate from the embassies as this gives them a foothold and closer association with the Irish communities in the those countries.