Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 4: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify the exact role of his Department in relation to its trade function; if it is a promotional function; and if the policy function continues to rest with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. [13970/11]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Following a Government decision on 24 May, the transfer of trade promotion functions from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to the Department of Foreign Affairs took place yesterday. The transfer gives my Department the lead role in trade promotion. The transfer of functions will, on a practical level, give my Department responsibility for the management of the export trade council to be established, following a commitment in the programme for Government, and for the joint economic commissions Ireland maintains with a number of countries.

Management of the trade council, which the Minister will chair, will give my Department a key role in implementing aspects of the trading and investing in a smart economy strategy. It will also mean a closer relationship with Enterprise Ireland, particularly in trade missions led by the Minister and myself. The Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation retains lead responsibility for trade policy, which includes representing Ireland's trade interests in the context of the EU common commercial policy and at the World Trade Organisation.

The promotion of Ireland's economic interests has always been a core strand of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department and the embassy network have been particularly active in efforts to restore Ireland's international reputation, which has been affected by the economic and financial crisis and to support the export-led growth which is crucial to our recovery.

Ireland still has many challenges to face as we seek to return to growth and Irish companies are turning to both emerging and more established markets for new opportunities. Embassies can, by virtue of their status, gain access to the highest levels of government, media and business in host countries, thus providing a platform to promote Ireland and Irish companies. The enhanced role in trade promotion for my Department should provide a renewed emphasis for this work and help facilitate a stronger relationship with all Departments and agencies responsible for supporting the growth of Irish exports.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I congratulate the Government on pursuing this initiative, which was commenced by the previous Government. It makes sense that the Department and our embassies, in particular, would have a critical role to play as promotional agents and a shop window for Ireland. I am unimpressed at the diary of trade missions in which Ministers are proposing to take part but perhaps there are plans we have not heard about. Will the Minister of State elaborate on that?

The establishment of an export trade council is a key element of the programme for Government. While we support this, I was a little concerned by a reply to a parliamentary question by the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, in which he suggested there may be no need for the council. He stated: "The Government is conscious of the need to avoid establishing new groups and bodies unless absolutely necessary and, therefore, will consider whether any amendments to the membership and terms of reference are needed to realign the existing foreign trade council with the objectives of the Government". Will there be an export trade council or not? The Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation seems to be at odds with the Minister of State and this is not the first area of divergence we have discovered within Government. Will the Minister of State chair the council, if it is established?

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I welcome the Deputy's support. There will be more trade missions and they will be announced as they arise.

I assure the Deputy there will be an export trade council under the aegis of my Department and it will be chaired by the Minister. It will have some of the characteristics of the foreign trade council that was under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation. The programme for Government contains a strong commitment to including private sector exporters as well as relevant Ministers and agencies and their voice will be important on the council. It is intended that the council will have a view on trade missions and it will have a role in advising how the Department can best advance trade throughout the globe.

Earlier the Taoiseach, the Minister, the Minister of State and I addressed ambassadors who have returned from all over the world in our Department. Various agencies were represented at that gathering. We will bring all these strengths together and adopt a more co-ordinated approach to this work, which they have always done. We are strongly of the view that it will be a positive contribution to rebuilding Ireland's reputation and trade.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State but I urge her to add impetus to the foreign trade drive, particularly in regard to China and other BRIC countries. Given policy will rest with the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation and promotion will rest with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, there may be a lack of clarity on the formulation of policy. What administrative structures will be put in place to ensure such difficulties do not arise?

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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There will be close co-operation between the two Departments. There will be a service level agreement with Enterprise Ireland and my Department will have a working relationship with all the agencies. The EU Commission has competency for multilateral negotiations and, therefore, the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation will engage in that aspect of the trade brief. Promotion will rest in my Department.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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That concludes priority questions, as Deputy Finian McGrath is not present. We will move on to Question No. 6.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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I was given permission by the Ceann Comhairle's office to take Deputy McGrath's question.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I am sorry; I was not aware of that. We will take Question No. 5 then.