Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

208. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a trade mission to Singapore is likely to take place during Q3 2025. [21793/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Each year, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland prepare a programme of trade missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland that are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment, and for showcasing opportunities for foreign direct investment in support of high-quality jobs and regional development throughout Ireland.

In recent years the majority of Ministerial-led trade missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represent the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These missions have focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in a range of sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and life sciences.

My Department works closely with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in developing the Ministerial-led trade mission programme. Currently there are no plans to have a trade mission to Singapore during Q3 2025. My Department will continue to work closely with its agencies to identify opportunities to help Irish companies access new markets and increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

209. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to diversifying our economy, with particular regard to the development of indigenous industries and the identification of markets for our goods and services outside of the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16471/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to helping Irish companies to navigate the evolving trade landscape and mitigate tariff impacts, working with our dedicated export agency, Enterprise Ireland, to provide resources, guidance, and strategic supports. Enterprise Ireland has established a Trade & Tariff Response Team to brief Irish exporters on the latest developments and impacts and to date has engaged on a one-to-one basis with over 450 companies who export to the USA.

Enterprise Ireland will support Irish exporters as they continue to explore potential mitigation strategies to navigate these challenges, and to assess what opportunities may arise. Among the supports on offer are the Strategic Consultancy Grant which offers support to companies to hire external experts to assist companies in tackling strategic or short-term challenges in key business functions such as customs and supply chain impacts and the Market Discovery fund which provides a grant of up to €150,000 to assist companies develop new markets.

In addition to these targeted supports, Enterprise Ireland also offers support tailored to the needs of SMEs, ensuring they have access to the financial resources required to sustain and grow their businesses.

I am conscious that this is an evolving situation which will be closely monitored. My Department will continue to work with the enterprise agencies to support SMEs as the backbone of our economy and to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive in a challenging economic environment.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

210. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the Government's response to the recent US tariffs on the EU; the details of the supports being considered for affected sectors. [17215/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to helping Irish companies navigate the evolving trade landscape and mitigate tariff effects, working with Enterprise Ireland to provide resources, guidance, and strategic supports. Enterprise Ireland has established a Trade & Tariff Response Team to brief Irish exporters on the latest developments and impacts and to date has engaged on a one-to-one basis with over 450 companies who export to the USA.

Similarly, my Department is engaging with IDA Ireland to shape the Government's strategic response to US tariffs. IDA’s priority is to maintain close partnerships with existing client companies while monitoring developments, assessing impacts, and providing insights to inform Ireland’s overall response. This engagement has informed IDA’s 2025-29 strategy, "Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation," which focuses on productivity-enhancing investments in RD&I, talent development, sustainability, and digitalisation.

These ambitions align well with the Programme for Government's commitment to develop a comprehensive Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity, which I have tasked my Department with delivering in an accelerated timeframe. This plan includes immediate, targeted measures, focusing on enhancing international trade promotion supports, addressing business costs, and improving energy security and infrastructure. Key actions include implementing advisory supports for exporters, accelerating progress on trade agreements like CETA, developing a strategic approach to market diversification, streamlining security clearance processes, and advancing a National Semiconductor Strategy.

I am conscious that this is an evolving situation which will be closely monitored. My Department will continue to work with the enterprise agencies to support Irish based enterprises to thrive in this challenging economic environment.