Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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62. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to set-out his Department's engagement and collaboration with an organisation (details supplied), including participation in advisory bodies and committees, and on trade missions; his views on how the work of the organisation could be further supported by Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34582/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Since my appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in this Government, I have had one meeting, on 7th May 2025, with Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, to discuss the organisation’s Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Paper, “The Competitive Formula: Positioning Ireland through Innovation.” The meeting included a photo opportunity with Ms. O’Connell and Alex Wilkes, Country Manager of AstraZeneca, and a brief discussion on the pharmaceutical sector and the proposed national Life Sciences Strategy.

While Ireland is precluded under EU Single Market rules from advocating a specific “Buy Irish” or “Guaranteed Irish” campaign — as established in the 1981 European Court of Justice ruling (Commission v Ireland, Case C-249/81) — the Government continues to encourage citizens to support local businesses. Buying locally sustains regional economies, supports job creation, and fosters vibrant communities throughout Ireland, regardless of the origin of the goods.

I value the work of Guaranteed Irish in promoting Irish-based businesses and contributing to national economic development. While constrained by EU rules in terms of direct advocacy, the Government remains committed to supporting organisations like Guaranteed Irish through strategic engagement, funding partnerships, and participation in relevant initiatives.

My Department also provides funding to the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), which runs the annual “Made Local” campaign. First launched in 2020, this initiative celebrates Irish creativity and supports the design and craft sector by inspiring consumers, craftspeople, retailers, and media to contribute to their local economies.