Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the extent to which he, his Department or groups or bodies under the aegis of his Department have become involved in the establishment of new markets for Irish products in the European and global economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2899/11]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 192 together.

In September last year the Government launched its strategy and action plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015 entitled Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy. The Strategy takes a two-pronged approach focusing on particular markets and sectors. Building on our key strengths and track record, the sectors to be targeted include Services, Tourism, Food, Education, Life Sciences, Software, Next Generation Network-enabled sectors, Green technology, Construction and the built environment, Creativity and Design, and Technologies for an ageing population. In terms of markets, it identifies potential to further grow our existing key markets – UK, US and the eurozone – and to increase or gain a foothold in high-growth and high-potential markets, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China (the BRIC countries), the Gulf States, Middle East and Japan. In addition, the strategy includes an Action Plan to guide the implementation of the priorities and targets identified.

The new Strategy specifies that I, as Minister for Trade and Commerce, will chair the new Foreign Trade Council, set up to drive its implementation. The new Council brings together all of the key Departments and State agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade, tourism and investment. The role of the Council is to pursue implementation of the strategy through a suite of actions in our key priority markets, both existing and high-potential, as set out in the strategy and action plan. It will also strengthen cooperation and coordination across all the key State agencies.

In addition to the CEOs of bodies under the aegis of this Department, namely Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Forfas and Science Foundation Ireland, the Council's membership also comprises the CEOs of Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland and Culture Ireland, as well as senior level representatives of the relevant Departments, i.e. Departments of An Taoiseach, Tourism, Culture and Sport, Foreign Affairs, Education and Skills, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and, of course, my own Department.

Earlier today I chaired the second meeting of the Council, where we considered the new Market Development Plans prepared by the local Trade, Tourism and Investment Teams, which have been set up in each of Ireland's overseas priority markets. These plans are crucial instruments to pursue the key objective of the Strategy. In addition, the Council considered how to strengthen Ireland's profile abroad, including through St. Patrick's Day events, Ministerial-led Trade Missions and the more effective use of Joint Economic Commissions. All relevant issues to ensure implementation of the Strategy will be kept under review and monitored by the Council.