Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

Following a Government decision on 24 May, the transfer of trade promotion functions from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to the Department of Foreign Affairs took place yesterday. The transfer gives my Department the lead role in trade promotion. The transfer of functions will, on a practical level, give my Department responsibility for the management of the export trade council to be established, following a commitment in the programme for Government, and for the joint economic commissions Ireland maintains with a number of countries.

Management of the trade council, which the Minister will chair, will give my Department a key role in implementing aspects of the trading and investing in a smart economy strategy. It will also mean a closer relationship with Enterprise Ireland, particularly in trade missions led by the Minister and myself. The Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation retains lead responsibility for trade policy, which includes representing Ireland's trade interests in the context of the EU common commercial policy and at the World Trade Organisation.

The promotion of Ireland's economic interests has always been a core strand of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department and the embassy network have been particularly active in efforts to restore Ireland's international reputation, which has been affected by the economic and financial crisis and to support the export-led growth which is crucial to our recovery.

Ireland still has many challenges to face as we seek to return to growth and Irish companies are turning to both emerging and more established markets for new opportunities. Embassies can, by virtue of their status, gain access to the highest levels of government, media and business in host countries, thus providing a platform to promote Ireland and Irish companies. The enhanced role in trade promotion for my Department should provide a renewed emphasis for this work and help facilitate a stronger relationship with all Departments and agencies responsible for supporting the growth of Irish exports.

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