Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I will have to get the Deputy a separate briefing on that. In general terms, Enterprise Ireland has about 31 locations overseas and they support export missions. Under the new arrangement, we are also seeking to mobilise diplomatic representation. In those individual countries, there is a collective group which I acknowledge was introduced by the previous government. Representatives of Bord Bia, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, along with the ambassador, work together on formulating a plan. I do not have a figure in my brief for expenditure, as sought by the Deputy. Much export promotion, however, is done here at home. It involves getting people ready to enter new markets and making them familiar with the challenges. We support them and build networks which they can contact. In that way they can use contacts through the global diaspora network as opportunities to enter markets. It is not all about hard cash, it also concerns such contacts.

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