Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is right in that these are countries in which we are working from a low base. The figures are encouraging, but this is not the final word on our attempt to exploit these markets. They indicate ups and downs, with the figures being good in some years and then there is a reversal. That is a feature of territories in which, it is widely accepted, companies have to invest in the long-term to build successful export markets. There are no short-term fixes. We need to get companies which are willing to make that level of commitment to open up these markets. The work of Enterprise Ireland lies in seeking companies which are willing to make such long-term commitments. I accept what the Deputy says, there is a lot more work to be done in these markets.

See this speech in context