Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his objectives to expand the country's trading opportunities with EU and non-EU countries; the extent to which he can utilise the network of embassy staff abroad to achieve this; if any particular instructions are likely to be given through the Irish embassies abroad to achieve maximum effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13925/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government is focused on achieving maximum growth in exports, including through the development of new markets, and has committed to progressively implementing the recommendations in the Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. Ireland's network of Embassies and Consulates continues to work to restore Ireland's international reputation and support export led growth. This network can play an invaluable role in facilitating trade and building linkages worldwide, and the promotion of Ireland's economic interests overseas has always been a key focus of my Department.

My Department's role in this regard has been enhanced following the transfer of certain responsibilities relating to Trade Promotion. I stressed to our Ambassadors yesterday, at the Ambassadors Conference which is currently underway, that this enhanced role should provide a renewed emphasis for their economic work, and will facilitate a stronger relationship across all Departments and Agencies responsible for supporting export growth.

My Department and the Department for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will work closely together in planning for trade missions. It is envisaged that these missions will include visits to high-growth developing markets, as well as to other identified priority markets. I believe that these missions, as well as the Joint Economic Commissions with a number of countries, which will now be managed by my Department, will promote the expansion of our trade links. Export-led growth will be crucial for Ireland in emerging from our current economic difficulties. Our Ambassadors and the staff in the Embassy network are fully aware of the priority which is accorded to trade promotion by the Government.