Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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67. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, in the course of the ongoing foreign policy review, it is intended to have special regard for new trade opportunities; if consular or other diplomatic appointments are likely to remain a feature of the need for establishment of new markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8583/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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A key aspect of Ireland’s foreign policy and external relations, and the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is the promotion and development of our trade, tourism and investment, in keeping with the Government’s Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy . The embassy network is strongly focussed on implementing this Strategy, together with the State Agencies. This aspect of our foreign policy will be an important theme in the Review of Foreign Policy and External Relations.

The Government initiated a review of the Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy in January 2013. A Review Group was established comprising representatives of the relevant Government Departments and State agencies, chaired by my Department, in the context of the Export Trade Council’s role in overseeing and monitoring the Strategy.

The Review Group has examined a number of key elements and the outcome will include findings on a number of areas including high-level numerical targets; sectors; implementation and coordination; and priority markets. The section on priority markets reflects current thinking on ‘trade opportunities’ in new and emerging markets.

These findings, which are scheduled for official launch on 24 February, will be reflected in the Review of Foreign Policy and External Relations, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to drive Ireland’s economic recovery which has been export-led.

Furthermore, the Government decision last month to extend the embassy network, with the opening of eight new missions, was designed to support our trade and inward investment. The central role played by the embassy network and our diplomats abroad in promoting Ireland’s economic recovery will be reaffirmed in the outcome to the Review. I will continue to keep our diplomatic and consular network under review in light of emerging needs and opportunities in the period ahead.