Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which trade volume has increased as measured with the various embassies or missions abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33796/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As a small trading country increasing the volume of our exports is vital to ensure sustainable growth for our economy. Despite the difficult trading conditions Irish exports have proved resilient in recent years. The total value of merchandise exports in 2010 was €162.7 billion, the highest ever total, representing growth of 8% on the 2009 figure. Services exports have also seen growth in that period, increasing from €67.1 billion in 2009 to €73.8 billion in 2010. My Department is focused on achieving maximum growth in exports for Ireland through progressively implementing, with other Departments and State Agencies, the recommendations in the Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. In this context I was pleased to chair the first meeting of the Export Trade Council recently. The Council will strengthen co-operation and co-ordination across all Government Departments and State Agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade and exports.

Ireland has 58 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 11 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis.

Ireland's missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland's foreign policy interests. An important focus, among these, is working actively to restore Ireland's international reputation and to support export led growth. Local market teams, chaired by the local Ambassador and including representatives of State Agencies have been established in all of the priority markets under the Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy Strategy. These teams prepare annual market development plans and report to the Export Trade Council.

The State Agencies with a remit for the promotion of Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland and IDA Ireland, also have offices overseas. Where possible they are co-located with Irish Embassies and Consulates on the ground in an 'Ireland House' arrangement. However, even where the Ireland House concept does not apply, the Embassy network works closely with the State Agencies and other relevant Departments in assisting Irish producers to overcome barriers to export and find new markets.