Written answers

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Trade Missions Expenditure

Photo of Lucinda CreightonLucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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136. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 285 of 19 November 2013, the date on which the total costs of these trade missions will issue; if he will provide a list of the contracts signed and announced on each mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51494/13]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible for the development and internationalisation of Irish enterprises. Enterprise Ireland has 30 offices worldwide to help Irish firms develop overseas markets. Each year, Enterprise Ireland organises a series of targeted international trade missions.

The impact of trade missions together with the many other sales, marketing and trade promotion efforts of Enterprise Ireland are reflected in the growth in exports of Enterprise Ireland clients and the jobs they sustain and create. As announced earlier this year, Irish companies set a new record for level of exports achieved - €16.2bn in 2012. Exports now account for 54% of clients total sales, up from 51% in 2011. Total sales of client companies of Enterprise Ireland in 2012 exceeded €30bn. Export growth was achieved across all overseas territories and this level of growth is greatly supported by an extensive promotional programme, including trade events, trade fairs and trade missions. The employment and export figures for Enterprise Ireland clients in 2013 will be available following the completion of annual surveys in 2014.

There are obviously costs incurred by my Department and its agencies to ensure the success of these missions abroad. The table under shows the costs of the Trade Missions led by myself or Ministers of State in my Department since the Government came to office. It includes the travel and accommodation costs of the travelling Minister, officials from my Department and Enterprise Ireland, along with costs for Enterprise Ireland organised events, such as networking events and showcase events. It also takes account of contributions made by companies on trade missions.

Significant business is undertaken on these trade missions and, on occasions, companies work through the agencies to publicise their business successes. It is only when a company wishes to promote their success that Enterprise Ireland would publicise company activities. Press Releases from the trade missions which outline some of the successes of the Irish companies on these trade missions are included under. Any other contracts that are signed would be a private matter for a company.

As regards the names of companies participating on trade missions, I am informed that Enterprise Ireland takes the view that, while there may be press activity around a particular trade mission, it is generally for participating companies to disclose their interest in particular markets and not a matter for Government or its agencies. Matters of commercial sensitivity can also be a factor, as I indicated in my reply to Question No. 285. On this basis and in light of advice from Enterprise Ireland concerning the above question, details of specific company participation were not released at that time. However, following further consideration of the matter by Enterprise Ireland, it has been decided, in this instance, to release the names of the participating companies and organisations which are listed below.

In relation to the Deputy’s previous Question, where neither a Minister nor Minister of State led a Trade Mission, I will arrange to have the information forwarded to the Deputy when it is received from Enterprise Ireland.

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