Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

On a recent visit to the Irish mission to the UN in New York, I was greatly impressed by the courtesy and professionalism of the staff. The work of the diplomatic corps should be acknowledged in this House.

One of the high-level goals of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to promote trade and investment opportunities for the State. Since December 2000, Irish cost competitiveness has deteriorated by 30% against our trading partners. Since 2002, our share of world merchandise trade has declined by one quarter. For a country that relies on export trade and attracting foreign direct investment, particularly from the United States, it is vital that the Department of Foreign Affairs provides assistance to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in promoting Ireland abroad.

The Minister of State mentioned in his reply that training in economic and trade related matters had commenced in 2007. What is the location and duration of this training? Does the Department have any plans to increase the number of embassy staff in the United States? The falling dollar and our reliance on investment from that country make it imperative that we continue to attract such investment in coming years. The diplomatic corps does an excellent job, but it is often the case that we must go outside regular diplomatic relations and adopt a more pro-investment and pro-business approach.

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