Written answers

Thursday, 5 May 2011

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

Export Trade Development

5:00 pm

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to establish an export trade council. [10089/11]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My Government believes that Ireland's economic recovery must be export led, and as such, is committed to taking the actions necessary to support that export growth to the maximum possible. We are also committed to promoting the long-term development of new markets.

The Programme for Government has outlined the Government's commitment towards the progressive implementation of the recommendations in Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, which was launched in September last. We believe that the implementation of this Strategy will result in the sustained, concentrated and coordinated efforts of all the key Government Departments and agencies, including our embassies and consulates abroad, in support for Irish companies in overseas markets. This is the first time that all of the relevant agencies and Departments involved in promoting overseas trade, tourism and investment have together come up with an integrated approach to achieving a set of agreed priorities and targets for both existing and new high growth potential markets.

The targets agreed by these agencies – Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland - are to be implemented through a suite of actions driven by a recently established Foreign Trade Council. These actions are aimed at: strengthening Ireland's international image and brand; strengthening in-country presence and support; developing and internationalising our enterprise base; developing Ireland as a hub for global high-technology enterprises and clusters; aligning visa policy with priorities in the strategy; support for SMEs; continuing to develop international trade agreements; joint actions and partnerships with other countries; effective engagement with the business community.

As soon as the transfer of trade functions to the new Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as announced by the Taoiseach, has been effected, the nature, structure, future role and timelines of the proposed Export Trade Council will be considered as a matter of urgency. The Government is conscious of the need to avoid establishing new groups and bodies unless absolutely necessary, and will therefore consider whether any amendments to the membership and terms of reference are needed to re-align the existing Foreign Trade Council with the objectives of this Government.

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