Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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158. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which his Department continues to pursue market opportunities for Irish products globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40906/24]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, 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. The vision of the White Paper is to enable Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods.

2023 was a record year for Irish-owned business in terms of international sales. Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) achieved export sales of €34.57bn, an increase of 2% on the previous year, and growth occurred across almost all overseas regions and in individual industry sectors. Exports have more than doubled in the past ten years from €17.15bn in 2013.

Exports to the UK increased by 6% and the Eurozone increased by 2%. The Eurozone now accounts for 25% of all exports by EI client companies to a value of €8.6bn. In the UK, which is and will remain EI clients’ largest market, exports increased to €9.97bn 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 5% of exports and now accounts for €6.48bn or 19% of total exports. Technology and Services, and Industrial and Lifesciences were the fastest growing sectors, increasing by 10% to €8.49bn and 7% to €10.384bn respectively.

Total spend in the Irish economy by EI backed companies exceeded €39bn in 2023 with 225,495 jobs directly supported.

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 faced another challenging year in 2023, with energy costs, inflation and supply chain disruption impacting the trading environment. However, with a record €34.57bn in export sales, Irish business has demonstrated its ability to absorb global economic disruption and continue to compete and win in international markets.

These are significant exports results and reflect the incredible innovation and ambition of the Irish enterprise sector demonstrating 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.

Looking ahead, I am very conscious of the current and emerging uncertainties for business in global markets. My Department is working with Enterprise Ireland to help their clients anticipate and transform their business models to address areas such as sustainability, digitalisation, financing and skills.