Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The promotion of Irish trade and exports is a key priority for my Department. At headquarters level and through our embassy network we work closely with the IDA, which is tasked with the attraction and development of foreign investment in Ireland. We also work with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland to assist Irish companies to access markets in a number of practical ways. Our embassies provide local commercial information and raise specific issues with foreign governments, where appropriate. Priority markets for Ireland in established and emerging economies have been identified under the trading and investing in a smart economy strategy. The Export Trade Council, which met last week for the first time under my chairmanship, will keep the list of priority markets under review as well as opportunities in new markets as they emerge. It will also oversee the programme of trade missions.

Economic and trade issues will be a key element of the global Irish economic forum meeting later this week. They are also a priority for my visits to Japan and Korea next week and to Moscow in early November when I will co-chair a meeting of the joint economic commission between Ireland and Russia. My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development will shortly lead trade missions to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa.

The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on EU committees which deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers to European produce. My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development, will shortly lead trade missions to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on EU committees which deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers to European produce.

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