Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 16: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has a list of proposed trade missions scheduled to be undertaken by the Government in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33639/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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A programme of Minister-led trade missions, organised in association with Enterprise Ireland to develop and expand Ireland's exports to existing and new markets abroad, is planned for next year. The full range of destinations is still being finalised at this stage. Once this has been done, I will be discussing the allocation of leadership responsibility for individual missions with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. 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.

Over the coming years, the potential of trade missions will be maximised by integrating trade, tourism and investment promotion activities, in line with the Government's strong commitment to export led growth and the development of new markets.