Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the action plan for improving trade, investment and tourism links with new markets announced in December 2008 in the Building Ireland's Smart Economy: A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal report will be published; the outcome of the review of diplomatic and consular missions simultaneously announced; and the changes consequently made to the allocation of resources. [43147/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently working with the relevant Departments and key agencies on the preparation of an action plan for improving trade, investment and tourism links with new fast developing markets as mandated in the report on Building Ireland's Smart Economy.

The action plan will be a focused, practical and strategic plan that builds on and, most importantly, integrates all of the ongoing work to review and revise existing trade, investment and tourism strategies. In addition to new and emerging markets the action plan will also focus on our key markets for trade, investment and tourism, namely the UK, the Eurozone and the US.

The action plan will build on the points set out in the Smart Economy Framework, as well as on the relevant recommendations from the Farmleigh Forum. It is not possible at this stage to give an exact date for anticipated completion of this work and publication of the plan, although significant progress will have been made by the end of the year, with an expected final draft to be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal very early in the new year.

With regard to the review of Ireland's network of Missions abroad, this is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I understand that this review is ongoing and will ensure that the Missions are operating at an optimum level of efficiency, are delivering tangible services and outcomes for the benefit of Ireland and its citizens and that resources are aligned with our strategic objectives.

This review is all the more important in the light of current budgetary pressures. In carrying out the review, full account is being taken of both the operational and reputational costs to the State and assessing the potential financial implications of either Embassy openings or closures.

The Government's objective, to the greatest extent possible and within the limits of available resources, is to maintain the capability of Ireland's diplomatic and Enterprise Development Agency network overseas, in order to promote our key objectives abroad, particularly support for our economic recovery.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent of bilateral trade between Ireland and Cuba; the categories involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter relevant to each of the past five years. [43168/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Details of Ireland's trade with Cuba for the period 2004 to 2008 and also for the first seven months of this year, are set out in the following table.

During this period, the main category of exports was 'Particle Board, MDF and other Wood Manufactures', followed by 'Spirits/Whiskey, Beer/Cider & other Beverages'. For January – July 2009, exports of 'Medical and Pharmaceutical products' were a new and significant third placed category, accounting for 16% of the total. The dominant import over the years was 'Tobacco & tobacco manufactures'.