Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
223. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when last the Government Trade Forum, chaired by her Department, discussed trade with Israel; and to summarise the outcome of that discussion. [14481/26]
View answerAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I chair the Government Trade Forum. The Trade Forum is the primary mechanism by which Government engages with industry and other key stakeholders regarding latest developments in international trade. Since its establishment in February 2025, the Forum has met ten times amidst ongoing uncertainties in the global trading environment. The information and real-time feedback received from the Members has been extremely valuable in informing Government’s approach.
Updates are provided at the Forum regarding important developments affecting Ireland’s trading relationships, including, for example, EU-US trade and tariffs, EU free trade agreements, and political meetings regarding these matters.
The Forum is an integral component in the Government’s comprehensive and deliberate approach to ensure Ireland’s continued economic growth and resilience. Another element is the Action Plan on Market Diversification. An early decision of the Trade Forum was to approve of the development of this Action Plan, which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment published in August 2025. The Action Plan sets out over 100 actions to be delivered, on a whole-of-government basis, in support of Ireland’s businesses as they adapt to new trading environments, striking out into new and diverse markets and deepening engagement in existing markets. Progress in the Action Plan’s implementation will be kept under review by the Trade Forum.
Sectoral discussions have also been held, including regarding pharmaceuticals, medtech, semiconductors, aviation, agri-food and international financial services. Since its establishment, Ireland’s trade with Israel has not been on the agenda of any meeting of the Trade Forum, nor has this matter been a focus of discussion. I would draw Deputies’ attention to the Digital Ireland House, Ireland.ie, where all agendas, minutes and other relevant documents pertaining to meetings of the Government Trade Forum are published.
