Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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156. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the plans of Enterprise Ireland to promote and support companies diversifying into new foreign markets in 2019 and 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11200/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Diversification beyond the UK is now an urgent imperative for Irish enterprise and is one of the key pillars of Enterprise Ireland’s Eurozone Strategy to 2020.   This Eurozone Strategy is part of Enterprise Ireland’s overarching Strategy to build scale and expand reach. Export diversification is a strong defence against Brexit challenges. 

While the UK is and will continue to be our number one market the Government’s ambition through Enterprise Ireland is to drive the exports of Irish companies beyond the UK, by 50 per cent by 2020.  Last year, the Government launched the Global Footprint Initiative and my Department is funding Enterprise Ireland to strengthen its presence in 14 locations in 2019.  This increased presence abroad will build on Enterprise Ireland’s work in 2018 when it helped Irish companies win 1,504 new contracts, open 402 new offices overseas and brought 1,023 international buyers to Ireland. 

Within the Eurozone region, currency stability, free trade agreements negotiated by the EU and export growth potential are just some of the key opportunities available to Irish exporters.

In addition, membership of the Single Market and Customs Union is a core element of our economic strategy.  The Single Market is based on harmonised standards which have been good for Irish business.  Regulatory certainty and standards provided by EU frameworks contribute to competitiveness and growth in Irish industry, as they facilitate trade and help businesses to sell into a wide range of markets.

In addition to access to the important EU markets, the EU is the world’s largest trading block and has preferential trading agreements with over 50 countries, with more under negotiation. The International Trade Mission and Events Schedule for 2019, which was launched recently, covers a total of 207 events within Ireland and international locations to include 73 ministerial led trade missions and events.

Of this, 31 trade events are planned to Northern Europe to include 14 trade missions which include Germany and France, the Mobile World Congress Digital Technologies event in Spain, the Money 2020 Fintech Event in Amsterdam and the Paris Air Show aviation trade event.

Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy for 2017-2020 is to support more start-ups with global ambition to build scale and expand their reach.  The ambitious target set under this strategy of creating 60,000 new jobs by the end of 2020 is fully attainable.