Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

The overall year to date figures show an increase from last year and exports from indigenous industries have increased by approximately 10%. The omens are good on the export side. The creation of the export trade council, which arises from the trade, tourism and investment strategy, signals a clear intention by the Government, as per the programme for Government, to drive exports even further in the countries I mentioned earlier. The new council's membership includes the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and senior representatives from the relevant agencies and Departments. This derives from a previous policy which was borne out of common sense and will continue. There is greater emphasis, and the figures bear this out, to drive exports in the so-called BRIC countries.

See this speech in context