Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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186. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 93 and 94 of 10 October 2018, the engagement the embassy in London has to support exporters to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43378/18]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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187. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 93 and 94 of 10 October 2018, the engagement the Irish Embassy has to support exporters to the United Kingdom. [43384/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

In addition to the range of supports outlined by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphries, T.D., in Parliamentary Questions Nos. 93 and 94 on 10 October 2018, our Embassy in London also arranges and facilitates a range of export-related business events and has done so for many years. These events, which involve extensive collaboration with business networks, companies and development agencies across all sectors and regions, can take the form of networking receptions, lunches, dinner etc., all hosted on the Embassy premises. The events focus on business development opportunities in the UK and are highly regarded. So far this year the Embassy has hosted 12 such events and this programme will continue into 2019.

In addition, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor and the Agriculture Attachés deal with direct approaches from agencies, sectoral groups, companies, and individuals on an ongoing basis. The Embassy is also actively engaged with the Irish business networks operating in the UK and provide ongoing support to them.

When requested, and if possible, an Embassy presence at business events is also facilitated.