Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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168. To ask the Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment if Enterprise Ireland plans to open a new office in Perth, Australia. [34847/20]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Enterprise Ireland’s primary remit is the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Working in partnership with client companies through a national network of 10 offices and 40 overseas offices, the agency assists Irish enterprise to start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets.

Enterprise Ireland has two physical presences in Australia. The agency’s headquarters is located in Sydney, with a secondary office in Melbourne. The EI Melbourne office opened in March 2019. Collectively, the agency has eight staff located across these two offices. Enterprise Ireland’s Market Advisors in Sydney and Melbourne manage specific industry sectors for the entirety of Australia and New Zealand.

There are no current plans to open an office in Perth. Enterprise Ireland previously had an office in Perth from June 2014-March 2016. This office was closed due to a lack of client activity. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with clients and network locally to adapt to customer demand.