Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
953. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of companies from County Cork that participated in Enterprise Ireland supported trade missions in 2024 and 2025; the countries visited; the sectors represented; the estimate commercial outcomes arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57450/26]
View answerDuring 2024 and 2025 over 15 companies from Cork took part in various trade missions across the globe including to East and West Coast America, Canada, Poland, Sweden, Germany, Scotland, India, Saudi Arabia and Japan. These companies represented a broad range of internationally trading sectors and engaged with customers, partners and stakeholders across a variety of priority markets.
Trade missions, led by Ministers and supported by Enterprise Ireland’s network of international offices, are a key element of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to support Irish companies in growing their exports, diversifying into new international markets, and building long-term commercial relationships overseas.
Trade missions provide client companies with direct access to senior decision-makers, potential customers, distribution partners, investors and key sector stakeholders in target markets. They create opportunities for Irish businesses to showcase their capabilities, secure new contracts, and strengthen existing commercial relationships and are particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises, which may not otherwise have the resources or market access required to engage with overseas customers at this level. The Government presence associated with these missions helps to open doors, enhance the visibility of participating companies, and reinforce Ireland’s reputation as a trusted trading partner.
Enterprise Ireland organises and supports a programme of trade missions each year across priority international markets, generating significant commercial opportunities for participating companies by facilitating direct engagement with potential customers, partners and investors in international markets. While many outcomes materialise over time, companies regularly secure new sales leads, contracts, distribution agreements and strategic partnerships as a result of these missions. They also help firms accelerate market entry, diversify export opportunities and strengthen long-term commercial relationships thus supporting increased exports, business growth and job creation across Ireland.
