Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 58: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent measures he has taken to advance Ireland's economic interests abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29346/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister attaches the highest priority to the economic work of diplomatic missions. In the past year, a review of the Department's work in this area was carried out. A set of guidelines was issued to advance the economic objectives set out in the programme for Government. These guidelines reiterate that all missions have a role to play in promoting trade and investment; and that this role should be discharged in a dynamic manner. My experience is that this is the case. In addition, officials taking up diplomatic postings abroad in 2007 received intensive training in economic and trade related matters. Follow-up to these initiatives is continuing.

Embassies and consulates typically engage in a range of economic and trade work, including awareness-raising and promotional work, networking, identifying new market opportunities, maintaining and extending market access for Irish goods and services, and supporting business and young professional networks. Missions lobby on a government-to-government basis on issues of concern. Every opportunity is used, including high-level visits and bilateral meetings, to raise and advance Ireland's economic interests abroad. Although often the subject of negative comment in this State, in this regard the St. Patrick's Day phenomenon provides a unique and effective opportunity. I attended an ASEAN conference in Singapore last week. Upon reaching my hotel, I learned that the ambassador, Mr. Richard O'Brien, and his small staff had already arranged a series of bilateral meetings, to discuss such issues as Irish beef exports, educational matters and young and emerging Irish companies in the area. A significant effort is being made to advance our economic interests in this way.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs cannot be here because he is visiting Japan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. Among the objectives of the visit is to take forward the Ireland — Japan bilateral economic agenda. The limited numbers of staff in most embassies are being used to great effect.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On a recent visit to the Irish mission to the UN in New York, I was greatly impressed by the courtesy and professionalism of the staff. The work of the diplomatic corps should be acknowledged in this House.

One of the high-level goals of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to promote trade and investment opportunities for the State. Since December 2000, Irish cost competitiveness has deteriorated by 30% against our trading partners. Since 2002, our share of world merchandise trade has declined by one quarter. For a country that relies on export trade and attracting foreign direct investment, particularly from the United States, it is vital that the Department of Foreign Affairs provides assistance to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in promoting Ireland abroad.

The Minister of State mentioned in his reply that training in economic and trade related matters had commenced in 2007. What is the location and duration of this training? Does the Department have any plans to increase the number of embassy staff in the United States? The falling dollar and our reliance on investment from that country make it imperative that we continue to attract such investment in coming years. The diplomatic corps does an excellent job, but it is often the case that we must go outside regular diplomatic relations and adopt a more pro-investment and pro-business approach.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree absolutely with Deputy Timmins, particularly his last point. That is already happening. In Singapore, for example, the embassy has a small staff, but we have Ireland House there, along with Enterprise Ireland. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment also has staff on the ground in Singapore. This is precisely the point being made by the Deputy of approaching in an holistic way the promotion of Ireland. The Deputy also asked about training, which was more formalised in 2007 than it had been previously. There is a now a very specific course put together with TCD and the IMI which makes it even more professional and focused.

The other issue dealt with by the Deputy is Irish cost competitiveness. Although it is very important it is slightly beyond the remit of our embassies abroad.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will allow a very brief supplementary question.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Some time ago I remember mentioning a concept to which the Department of Foreign Affairs has not warmed. This is the idea of looking outside the diplomatic corps for assistance for these missions. Retired politicians or people from the IDA could be used, either through secondment or other ways of assisting the missions.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Timmins is making a very valid point. For example, there is abhorrence in Ireland to using retired politicians for anything. John Bruton currently represents Europe very well in Washington DC. Many people with much skill could be called upon.

With regard to networking and using the resources available on the ground, Irish embassies are unsurpassed. The networks being established are extraordinary, as the Deputy will know from his recent visit to New York and the United States. We have made a very small investment over the years in the East but we are punching way above our weight, doing very well with few resources.