Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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201. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his satisfaction or otherwise with Ireland’s ability to compete with all others for already established or potential export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51745/23]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Enterprise Ireland, the state agency of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment responsible for helping Irish companies to enter and expand in international markets, saw exports by companies it supports increase by 19% to a record €32.1bn in 2022.

This is the highest ever level of growth for Enterprise Ireland-backed companies in export value. Growth occurred across all overseas regions and in individual industry sectors.

Exports to the Eurozone increased by 28% in 2022, with the Eurozone now representing 25% of all exports by Enterprise Ireland backed companies. Expansion in trade with the Eurozone has taken place in tandem with strong Irish exports to the UK post-Brexit.

Exports to the UK increased by 13%, reaching €9.2bn. The UK now accounts for 29% of all exports by Enterprise Ireland backed companies.

Exports to the Eurozone increased by 28%, reaching €7.9bn.

Exports to North America increased by 13%, reaching €5.5bn. North America now accounts for 17% of all exports by Enterprise Ireland backed companies.

Increases in exports were recorded across all sectors with Food and Sustainability increasing by 23%, Technology and Services increasing by 18% and Industrial and Life Sciences increasing by 14%.

The very positive results reported by Enterprise Ireland are a testament to the resilience and vision in the Irish enterprise sector and the Government’s policy to assist Irish business in that vision. Irish business has recently faced numerous challenges, with energy costs, inflation and supply chain disruption impacting the trading environment. However, with a record €32bn in export sales, Irish business has demonstrated its ability to absorb global economic disruption and continue to compete and win in international markets.

Regional growth is a major pillar of my Department’s strategy to support our economy. Enterprise Ireland-backed companies now employ more than 218,000 people in every region and county in Ireland. The record export sales which show a 19% year-on-year increase in export value and increased employment is proof that our enterprise policy is working well.

The Government is determined to continue to assist Irish companies to compete and win in international markets. It is important that Irish businesses are supported as they adapt to a rapidly changing economy, from the challenges posed by digitalisation to the reduction of emissions and the opportunities presented by a low-carbon global economy. Enterprise Ireland does such important work to guide businesses through these challenges and I look forward to continuing to work with them to benefit Irish businesses.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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202. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment where Irish exports are likely to meet the greatest level of competition in the short, medium and long-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51746/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My Department’s White Paper on Enterprise to 2030 sets out an ambitious vision for Ireland’s enterprise policy, to protect Ireland’s strong economic position, and respond to challenges and opportunities that have emerged because of wider economic and geopolitical developments, digitalisation, and an increased urgency to decarbonise industry. It provides for a sustainable, innovative and high-productivity economy, with rewarding jobs and livelihoods in the period ahead.

Irish-manufactured products continue to compete very well on world markets. With continued funding and assistance from my Department and, despite the challenges of the pandemic, inflation, the illegal war in Ukraine, and global supply chain disruption, the most recent figures illustrate 2022 was a record year for Irish-owned business in terms of international sales. Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) achieved export sales of €32.1 billion, an increase of 19% on the previous year, and growth occurred across all overseas regions and in individual industry sectors. Exports to the UK increased by 13% and the Eurozone increased by 28%. The Eurozone now accounts for 25% of all exports by EI client companies to a value of €7.9 billion.

In the UK, which is and will remain EI clients’ largest market, exports increased to €9.2 billion or 29% of total exports despite the continued challenges of volatility and uncertainty. The North American Market remained strong during the year with a growth rate of 13% of exports and now accounts for €5.5 billion or 17% of total exports. Food and Sustainability, Technology and Services, and Industrial and Lifesciences were the fastest growing sectors, increasing by 22% to €16.258 billion, 18% to €7.397 billion and 14% to €8.525 billion respectively.

Total sales by companies supported by EI (domestic and export sales) totalled €62.4 billion, with total spend in the Irish economy by EI backed companies exceeding €30 billion.

These are significant exports results and reflect the incredible innovation and ambition of the Irish enterprise sector. While the record 19% year-on-year increase in exports is influenced by inflation in certain sectors, most notably in the dairy industry, the results demonstrate the continued strength of Irish products and services in international markets. This is due to Ireland’s hard-won reputation for quality, service and innovation.