Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
265. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the main initiatives taken to support Ireland’s trading position during 2025; her priorities for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73558/25]
View answer2025 has been a year marked by global economic uncertainty and a rapidly evolving international trading landscape. As a small open economy, Ireland is vulnerable to these external developments. My Department, together with Team Ireland colleagues across Government, have taken a number of initiatives to support Ireland’s trading position over the course of 2025, which will continue into 2026.
In February, the Government Trade Forum, which I chair, was established to facilitate engagement with key stakeholders on trade issues, including across Government, business organisations, trade unions and other representative groups. Discussions at the trade forum have helped shape the national, multifaceted response to the trade challenges facing the country and the business sector. The Forum was convened nine times in 2025. A work plan for 2026 is under preparation.
A consistent message from the Forum was the need for a strategic approach to support businesses' market diversification ambitions. In August, my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment published the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification. The objective of the Action Plan is - through concerted action by the Government Departments and State Agencies - to support Irish businesses in core markets and exploring new partnerships in high-growth regions. There are over 100 actions in that Plan, implementation of which will continue in 2026.
Priority actions for my Department in 2026, working closely with other Government Departments and State Agencies include the review of Ireland’s trade & investment strategy, ensuring there is a strong economic focus in Global Ireland 2040 and a related strategies, and mapping Ireland's global economic footprint.
My Department will also support an ambitious programme of global engagement in support of Ireland's trade, tourism and investment objectives, including a programme of trade and tourism missions, a Taoiseach-led Team Ireland Trade Mission Week, and an ambitious St Patrick’s Day Programme for 2026. We will also continue to enhance our approach to strategic economic initiatives and partnerships building on the strong track record of delivery in 2025 on initiatives such as Ireland House at SXSW, the inaugural Ireland - Ukraine, Economic Forum, Ireland's new Joint Economic Commission with the UAE, the first Ireland - France Economic Forum held in Ireland and the Africa Ireland Trade Horizons conference.
The new global trading context brings into focus the imperative for Ireland and the EU to diversify our markets with reliable global partners. That is why Ireland will continue to support the European Commission to secure new trade and investment opportunities. We will also continue to build upon the EU-US Joint Statement towards a new mutually beneficial transatlantic trade and investment relationship in 2026.
