Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is expected there will be an extra 5%, or 25,000, extra visitors coming from France this year. At the recent trade mission, we met with key agents who will drive and promote this business.

The ambition for food exports is for double-digit growth into the French market. It is a strong market and a good outlet for seafood exports, in particular, with good margins. IDA Ireland is seeking to increase investment from the European market over the next five years. It has not set a specific target but, overall, its aim is a 40% uplift in the total number of projects won from the European arena, an ambitious target. Trade missions are a part of it but the very dedicated staff in these offices abroad continue to develop these leads and deliver them over time. Despite its economic difficulties, the French market is very good for Irish companies which are well received there.

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