Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
57. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to set out his Department’s work on the programme for Government commitment to “support Irish SMEs to access the supply chains of large multinational companies that are based in Ireland”. [13297/26]
View answerMy Department works closely with the enterprise development agencies IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland (EI) to support the scaling of SMEs and to help them access the supply chains of Ireland’s FDI base.
In line with the commitment under the Programme for Government to support Irish companies in accessing the supply chains of large MNCs (Multi-National Corporations), a number of initiatives are being advanced which are aimed at strengthening these linkages. The agencies are continuously collaborating to grow supply chain linkages, to provide EI client companies with greater market access, opening sales channels with FDI companies in Ireland, thereby increasing sales of Irish goods and services and to IDA clients. This collaboration has delivered three joint agency networking events (Waterford, Athlone, Limerick) to explore opportunities in sustainability for the manufacturing, technology, and life science sectors. Additional events are scheduled for this year, with a joint IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland IOT/ Manufacturing seminar at the Irish Manufacturing Research Centre (Mullingar) in March 2026.
Introductions provide a targeted way to identify high-impact projects that create opportunities for EI clients to engage with new IDA investments. For instance, IDA recently facilitated introductions between a major overseas MedTech company and sixteen pre-qualified EI client firms, enabling these companies to pitch their services directly to the client’s senior management team.
Additionally, corporate in-house venture capital (CVC) funds offer a valuable financing pathway for scaling Irish start-ups as they look to strategically invest in innovative products, services, and business models, including those supporting digitalisation and the green transition. Recognising this opportunity, IDA has facilitated introductions for EI to several US-based corporate CVC teams. EI is now leveraging these connections by linking suitable client companies with these investment teams where appropriate.
IDA also collaborates with EI client companies to support the delivery of digitalisation services, particularly in developing the technical specifications needed to implement sustainable digital solutions across both services and manufacturing companies. In addition, EI clients are also engaged in the delivery of Digital Lean programmes to clients.
EI and IDA established the Lean Business Ireland website to support clients on their Lean journeys. This has been a successful joint venture supporting both SME and multinational companies. The next Lean Business Conference Enterprise Excellence Conference is taking place on the 9th and 10th of June 2026 in Sligo.
MNCs favour resilient suppliers capable of sustaining delivery through global market volatility. As such, there are a number of mechanisms in place which give Irish SMEs the visibility required to enter multinational sourcing pipelines. This includes international exposure through EI-led trade missions, including the largest-ever trade mission in February 2026 involving over 85 Irish companies engaging with European and multinational buyers.
EI also offers a number of grants which focus on strengthening SME resilience, therefore making them stronger supply chain partners, including the Market Research Grant and the New Markets Validation Grant.
By combining capability supports with international exposure and structured engagement with MNCs, EI are building a stronger indigenous base capable of meeting global procurement standards and contributing to Ireland’s long-term competitiveness.
Additionally, the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity highlights that IDA and EI have a longstanding track record of working closely together to create an ecosystem that fosters the development of both FDI and Irish enterprises. The measures in the plan are designed to further support growth drivers including research, innovation, skills and the green economy.
My Department will continue to ensure that Irish SMEs are provided with the support required to enhance their supply and innovation links, enabling them to increase their economic impact, strengthen their supply chain resilience and deepen their multinational engagement.
