Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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207. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current status of Irish trade with Iran; the extent of Irish Government and its agencies' efforts to explore and promote Irish goods and services in contacts with the Iranian authorities; his plans to establish a trade mission to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47250/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In 2013, the value of exports to Iran from Ireland was €57 million. The main products exported were soft drink concentrate and medical and pharmaceutical products. Imports in 2013 from Iran amounted to under €1 million, most of which was accounted for by vegetables & fruit. Due to the EU sanctions that have been in place, Enterprise Ireland has not considered Iran a focus market for some time and has concentrated all efforts on developing opportunities in other more accessible Middle Eastern markets. Commercial conditions currently remain quite adverse and most international banks will not offer standard financial tools to facilitate trade with Iran. However, with the possible lifting of some sanctions and in recognition of the potential represented by the Iranian market, Enterprise Ireland are planning to carry out an exploratory visit to the market during the early part of 2015, the first visit by the agency to this market in over 7 years, to investigate opportunities in different sectors. Following this visit, a strategy will be put in place as to how best to support those client companies who may want to explore the market further. It is not currently planned to organise a Trade Mission to Iran in 2015.