Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 52: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his understanding of his responsibilities under the trade aspect of his new portfolio. [10762/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 53: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will confirm that all responsibilities for trade will be transferred from the outgoing Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Innovation to the new Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade when it is configured. [10763/11]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 56: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the specific responsibilities that have been assigned to him in respect of trade matters; the systems that have been put in place to facilitate the interaction between his Department and the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation; if any responsibilities in respect of trade will remain with that Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 53 and 56 together.

The promotion of Ireland's economic and trading interests overseas is a key focus of my Department, in co-operation with other relevant government Departments and State Agencies. Ireland's network of 76 Embassies and Consulates continues to work 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.

Discussions, based on the Programme for Government, are ongoing with the current Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation in relation to the transfer of trade promotion responsibilities to my Department. A further enhanced role in trade promotion for my Department will provide a renewed emphasis for this work and will help facilitate a stronger relationship across all Departments and Agencies responsible for supporting the growth of Irish exports.

As arrangements have not yet been finally agreed, I cannot comment specifically on the breakdown of the responsibilities between my Department and the current Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.