Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 8, inclusive, together.

I visited Japan from 1-5 December in response to an invitation extended to me by Prime Minister Abe during his successful visit to Ireland in June last year, following his attendance at the G8 Summit at Lough Erne. The key objectives of my visit to Japan were to further increase Ireland’s trade, economic and political relationship with Japan and to explore potential areas for future collaboration between our two countries. I was accompanied on the visit by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, reflecting the very significant potential for co-operation and trade in the agrifood sector between Ireland and Japan.

While in Tokyo, I had a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and welcomed the opportunity to resume our conversation on the enhancement of bilateral relations between our two countries. The Prime Minister and I noted the very positive development of political and economic relations between Ireland and Japan in the recent past and resolved to expand this bilateral relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries, including by encouraging greater levels of trade and investment.

We noted that 2017 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan, and we decided to set that timeframe as a target for achieving a number of specific projects involving economic, cultural and research collaboration. To this end, Prime Minister Abe and I agreed on a new partnership for growth and innovation, which will provide a framework for the development of relations between Ireland and Japan over the next four years. The declaration will provide a platform for a new phase of Ireland-Japan co-operation in a wide range of areas, and builds on recent work at home to enhance relations with this key global actor.

I briefed the Prime Minister on the current economic situation in Ireland and on what was then our impending exit from the EU-IMF programme of assistance. I explained how we have restored our economy to growth and stabilised the national finances in a short space of time. The Prime Minister, in turn, briefed me on his Government’s success in revitalising the Japanese economy through his three-pronged economic model, commonly referred to as "Abenomics".

I welcomed the announcement by Japan that it is re-opening its beef market to Irish exports. The decision means that Japan is open to Irish beef for the first time since 2001 and marks Ireland as one of a select group of countries allowed to export beef there. I am satisfied that the announcement is another key milestone for the Irish agrifood sector, the beef sector in particular. It is a sign of international confidence in the quality of Irish food and is a further vindication of Ireland’s focus on quality and sustainability.

Prime Minister Abe updated me on Japan's relationship with China and noted ongoing maritime and territorial issues. I said that these are clearly very sensitive issues and that Ireland, along with all EU partners, would encourage all countries to resolve them in a peaceful manner, through dialogue and diplomatic engagement, and in accordance with international law.

During my visit to Tokyo, I also had the great honour of meeting with Crown Prince Naruhito and with the Japan Ireland Parliamentary Friendship League. I met with Japanese and Irish companies which are active in research and development and the services sector at an event designed to increase collaborative research projects for the mutual benefit of both countries. I attended a symposium on green energy, co-organised with the Japan External Trade Organisation, JETRO, to highlight opportunities and latest technologies being developed by Irish companies with core strengths in this important priority sector for both countries. I delivered a keynote address on current and future developments in Ireland-Japan relations in a globalised world at the Japan Institute of International Affairs.

I was accompanied on my visit by a large number of company representatives with business interests in both Ireland and Japan, including groups from the ICT, financial services and agrifood sectors. The mission also included a special programme for Irish food exporters seeking market outlets in Japan.

Following two days in Tokyo, I travelled on to Nagoya and Osaka for further meetings with Irish and Japanese business leaders to promote trade, investment and business-to-business links. I also met with the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Mr. Ichiro Matsui.

I was delighted to have an opportunity to visit Japan as part of our ongoing strategy to promote trade and investment, to strengthen Ireland’s international reputation and to convey to a wider audience the extent of Ireland’s progress toward economic recovery. Ireland and Japan have a long and well-established political and economic relationship, and this visit provided an opportunity to develop our economic, political and cultural links somewhat further.

During my visit to Japan, I was pleased to have the opportunity for a brief informal meeting with US Vice President Biden, who was in Japan as part of a wider visit by him. I will answer questions tabled by Deputies on that in the next group of parliamentary questions.

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