Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 39: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will further develop and build further economic and cultural links with Argentina in 2012-2013.. [26323/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Longstanding and close bilateral ties have characterised relations between Ireland and Argentina since diplomatic relations were formally established between the two countries in 1948, the same year that Ireland opened a resident mission in Buenos Aires. Argentina opened its resident mission in Dublin in 1964.

Consultations between senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and their Argentine counterparts also take place on a regular basis to discuss and develop cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres. Consultations took place most recently in Argentina in May 2011.

In 2011, Argentina was Ireland's 44th largest trading partner. Total merchandise trade stood at €227,777,000, a 37.8% increase over 2010. There are a number of Irish companies with significant investments in Argentina, and there exists further niche opportunities in the country for Irish companies. Ireland's embassy in Buenos Aires is working with the state agencies and Irish companies in efforts to access these opportunities. The embassy is working to establish an Irish business network as part of this work, which will support exploration of export opportunities and enhance opportunities for networking.

Further to this, a working holiday agreement exists between Ireland and Argentina whereby 100 young citizens of both countries can travel to and work in the other country for up to one year. It is hoped to increase the number of places available under this programme to 200 per year.

The embassy in Buenos Aires has a varied cultural programme targeting the 500,000 Argentines with Irish ancestry as well as the wider Argentine public. St. Patrick's Day celebrations have been increased in recent years with celebratory events in all of Argentina's main cities. There are also efforts ongoing to hold an Irish Cultural Week in 2013, hopefully to coincide with St Patrick's Day celebrations next March.