Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To be honest, I would like to have a more detailed conversation with the Deputy on this matter because I am not quite sure what he is getting at. The response I have before me deals with import substitution more generally, which is predominantly not allowed under World Trade Organization, WTO, rules and so on. I will go through the written response and then we can try to get at what the Deputy is really looking for.

Success on export markets is crucial to the long-term growth of Irish businesses and the economy. As the Deputy is aware, assistance for companies focused on growth through international sales is a priority for my Department and our enterprise development agencies.

A keen knowledge of the competitive and sometimes challenging environment in which Irish companies operate is key to successful export growth. For example, Enterprise Ireland through its market research centre utilises world class market research reports on behalf of its clients in order to prepare companies for their export journey and equip them with the latest data on trade and market entry requirements, particularly for non-EU markets. Enterprise Ireland also has a programme of trade missions, trade fairs and knowledge events that give clients the opportunity to connect with existing and new customers, access key decision-makers, increase sales in international markets and exchange ideas. It has expanded its global presence through the opening of eight new offices in third country cities, including Montreal, Seattle, Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City. These offices are being embedded into Enterprise Ireland overseas networks and will help to build new buyer relationships in markets where growth opportunities have been identified and market entry challenges can be identified, including the practice of import substitution if it arises.

Import substitution is a policy of blocking foreign imports. It is, of course, a non-tariff trade barrier in the context of World Trade Organization rules. The WTO has a number of agreements in place in an effort to curb such measures, while the European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, uses various tools to enforce commitments and rules, including on import substitution, under international trade agreements. One of these tools is dispute settlement at the WTO.

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