Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which all the necessary facilities required are made available to Irish embassies, consuls and or trade delegations involved in the pursuit of trade and commercial activity worldwide having particular regard to the current economic situation and the need to maximise all such opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17531/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As a small open economy, export-led growth has been crucial for Ireland's economic development, and will continue to be an essential element in ensuring Ireland's return to growth and economic prosperity. Our Ambassadors and the staff in the Embassy network are in no doubt about the priority which the Government attaches to the active promotion of Ireland's economic interests abroad. They work closely with the State Agencies and other relevant Departments in assisting Irish companies to overcome barriers to export and to identify new opportunities for selling their products and services. In this context, overseas Missions would regularly offer support to a range of business-related visits.

The Deputy will be aware that I established the Export Trade Council last year to oversee the progressive implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. The Ministers, State Agencies and Departments with responsibility for these areas participate in the Council, as do representatives of the private sector. As Chairman, I see the Council as an important mechanism for cooperation and coordination with a view to ensuring that the relevant bodies work in the most joined up way possible, at home and in the field, so that the resources deployed by the State achieve the maximum impact. In priority markets, local market teams led by Ambassadors and including State Agency representatives have an important role to play in this.

The Diplomatic Network is also very active in promoting Ireland's economic profile abroad. By virtue of their status, Missions overseas can gain access to high levels within Government, media and business circles. To ensure the best use is made of this access, a dedicated unit in my Department works with other Government Departments and State Agencies to ensure our Embassies and Consulates have at their disposal, comprehensive and up to date information on economic developments in Ireland.

In relation to trade delegations, the Deputy may be aware that Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello is currently leading an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Turkey, and that the Taoiseach and Minister Bruton are on the way home from a major visit to China. Several other Enterprise Ireland trade missions are scheduled to take place this year to a variety of locations. Each one will be fully supported by Departments and State Agencies at home, and by Embassies and representatives of State Agencies working abroad.