Trade Relations

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Questions (134, 136)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Question:

134. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her recent meeting of the Government’s trade forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8721/26]

View answer

James O'Connor

Question:

136. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the work of the Government trade forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8634/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 136 together.

As recent weeks have demonstrated, uncertainty remains the prevailing character of the global trading environment. As a small, highly globalised economy, it is of the utmost importance that we continue to engage with business and other key stakeholders, to inform the approach we take in navigating this changing and often unpredictable landscape.

The Government Trade Forum has a critical role to play in this context and I am committed to its continuation this year. The Forum is now the primary mechanism by which the Government engages with industry and other relevant stakeholders on the latest developments in international trade. The information and real-time feedback received from the Members is extremely valuable and I intend to continue our strong level of engagement throughout this year. The Trade Forum comprises one part of the comprehensive and deliberate approach we as a Government have taken to ensure Ireland’s continued economic growth and resilience. This approach also includes the National Development Plan, Budget 2026 and the mutually supporting Action Plan on Market Diversification, and Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I chair the Trade Forum. I convened the first Forum meeting of 2026 on 23rd January, where I was joined by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, and the Minister of State for European Affairs. This was the tenth meeting of the Trade Forum since it was first established in February 2025.

I updated the Forum on recent trade developments, including US tariff threats relating to the deeply troubling situation in Greenland, EU-UK relations, and the now finalised EU-India FTA. The Forum heard from the Tánaiste regarding the need for enhanced planning in light of economic threats, and Minister Chambers updated on capital infrastructure plan to which this Government is deeply committed. Minister Heydon updated on international trade priorities for the agrifood sector and the excellent work of Bord Bia.

A repeated point raised in the meeting was the positive perception of Ireland in the US and Europe, where business considers us to be a stable, trustworthy partner and excellent location in which to do business and invest. Improving our competitiveness remains a priority and during our EU Presidency this year, competitiveness will be one of Ireland’s three pillars, alongside values and security.

At the Trade Forum, I, alongside colleagues of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, further noted ongoing work in Ireland’s market diversification efforts, which requires a whole-of-government approach, and will involve significant trade mission delivery this year. St. Patrick’s Day engagements form a considerable part of these efforts and, as I informed the Forum, front and centre this year will be our focus on economic relationships, trade and investment. This has been subsequently confirmed with the decision by Government this week of Ireland’s largest ever St Patrick’s Day Programme when forty representatives of the State will visit over 54 countries to promote our trade and economic interests this year.

I plan to maintain an intensity of engagement at the Trade Forum this year and the Forum Secretariat is developing a new Forum Work Plan, in consultation with public and private sector stakeholders.

The Forum has already had sectoral focuses on medtech, pharmaceuticals, aviation, agri-food, semiconductors and international financial services. I am keen to convene future Forum meetings focused on matters relating to our economic security, and important sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and Tourism.

I would also like to inform Deputies that the agendas and minutes of the Government Trade Forum are published on the Digital Ireland House, Ireland.ie.