Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

Ireland's trade relations with Turkey are good and levels of trade are increasing. In 2010, Turkey was Ireland's 22nd largest merchandise trading partner, with the bilateral merchandise trade valued at €685 million. This represented an increase of 8% on 2009 figures. Figures for the first six months of this year show a 16% rise in merchandise trade over the same period last year. The Embassy of Ireland in Ankara plays a very active role in supporting Enterprise Ireland's work to identify opportunities for the growth of Irish companies in Turkey. EI client companies report a 61% rise in exports to Turkey from 2009 to 2010.

Turkey is a significant economic regional power with a population of 79 million people. As a candidate country, Turkey's trade with the EU is significant and growing. Its membership of the EU would potentially generate significant gains for Ireland due to the increased size of the Single Market and the trade opportunities for Irish companies which would flow from accession. Obstacles which can hinder the development of trade relations can take the form of both tariff and non-tariff barriers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade works closely with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, which has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on a number of EU committees which discuss both tariff and non-tariff barriers in the context of ongoing EU free trade negotiations.

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