Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

The Minister attaches the highest priority to the economic work of diplomatic missions. In the past year, a review of the Department's work in this area was carried out. A set of guidelines was issued to advance the economic objectives set out in the programme for Government. These guidelines reiterate that all missions have a role to play in promoting trade and investment; and that this role should be discharged in a dynamic manner. My experience is that this is the case. In addition, officials taking up diplomatic postings abroad in 2007 received intensive training in economic and trade related matters. Follow-up to these initiatives is continuing.

Embassies and consulates typically engage in a range of economic and trade work, including awareness-raising and promotional work, networking, identifying new market opportunities, maintaining and extending market access for Irish goods and services, and supporting business and young professional networks. Missions lobby on a government-to-government basis on issues of concern. Every opportunity is used, including high-level visits and bilateral meetings, to raise and advance Ireland's economic interests abroad. Although often the subject of negative comment in this State, in this regard the St. Patrick's Day phenomenon provides a unique and effective opportunity. I attended an ASEAN conference in Singapore last week. Upon reaching my hotel, I learned that the ambassador, Mr. Richard O'Brien, and his small staff had already arranged a series of bilateral meetings, to discuss such issues as Irish beef exports, educational matters and young and emerging Irish companies in the area. A significant effort is being made to advance our economic interests in this way.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs cannot be here because he is visiting Japan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. Among the objectives of the visit is to take forward the Ireland — Japan bilateral economic agenda. The limited numbers of staff in most embassies are being used to great effect.

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