Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of trade missions proposed or supported by her, her Department or agencies under her remit for 2010; her views on applications for inclusion on such missions of representatives of local authorities, county enterprise boards or any such development company as organised or under the remit of a local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47285/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A programme of Minister-led Trade Missions, organised in association with Enterprise Ireland to develop Irish exports to a wide range of markets, is planned for next year. The full range of destinations is still being finalised at this stage. Trade Missions provide an opportunity for Enterprise Ireland client companies to develop links in a market, to win export sales, to engage in international partnerships and joint ventures and establish in-market presences. A focus on exporting underpins all missions, ranging from export opportunities identified in the mission market, market opportunities for specific firms or sectors and future growth opportunities. Given this exclusive emphasis on companies that are trying to grow their exports in specific markets, it is unlikely that local authorities and other locally based organizations would benefit from the very focused work of such Trade Missions.