Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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50. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which new trade deals have been entered into following recent promotional tours by herself and bodies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49779/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Trade Missions bring Irish businesses into direct contact with business opportunities abroad. Such missions have proven to be valuable supports to Irish businesses in terms of establishing their credibility with and gaining access to the business community in the target market at the appropriate level. This is particularly the case in countries where government-to-government contacts are a prerequisite for doing business. These trade missions are an integral part of the work of relevant Government Departments and Agencies to develop and expand Ireland’s exports to existing and new markets abroad. They raise Ireland’s profile as a world –class supplier of goods and tradable services and contribute to the generation of incremental sales to foreign markets over the long-term and they are the culmination of the success of our enterprise development policies on the ground.

The trade deals which are referred to by the Deputy in this question are being interpreted as being business agreements and announcements by companies that have participated in Trade Missions which I have led in my time as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Since June I have participated in four Trade Missions and events with Enterprise Ireland. Across these events, I have witnessed:

- Enterprise Ireland clients, such as Combilift, sign agreements with foreign companies that will see them launch new products in international markets.

- The launch of patented technology, such as, Novaerus first patented technology for airborne infections.

- The deployment of Irish technology in international markets, such as C & F Green Energy proprietary wind turbine technology deployment in Japan.

- The opening of an international office for Kingspan.

- The announcement of 14 new deals and achievements in the Australian market by Enterprise Ireland clients.