Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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251. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of trade missions undertaken by his Department from 1 January to date in 2016; the way in which this figure compares with 2011-2015 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40504/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to delivering an intensive programme of trade Missions as part of a concerted drive to expand the scope and reach of Irish exports and to support Irish companies seeking to capitalise on opportunities in overseas markets. Growth in trade and investment resulting from trade missions supports jobs in Ireland and is a vital element of the Government’s trade, tourism and investment promotion efforts. The Trade Mission schedule is the subject of discussion at the Export Trade Council, which I chair. This Forum helps ensure a coordinated approach to trade policy across government. As Trade Minister, I meet frequently with entrepreneurs when overseas on official business for discussions about investing in Ireland and partnering with Irish companies in overseas markets. Such meetings are generally coordinated with Enterprise Ireland and/or the IDA. Enhancing trade relations is also generally a feature of my regular bilateral meetings with my ministerial counterparts around the world.

The overall number of Ministerial-led trade Missions has increased substantially in recent years from an average of 8 annually during the period 2007-2011 to an average of 15 per year since 2014. These Missions, led by a range of Ministers, are supported by the network of Embassies, Consulates, State Agencies and local market teams.

This year three Missions have been led by my Department. Full details of Missions led by my Department over the period 2011 to 2016 are set out in tabular format below.

Trade Missions undertaken by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

2011-2016