Written Answers Nos. 104-117
104. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to detail the collaborative efforts between his Department and Enterprise Ireland in supporting SMEs to overcome trade barriers and expand internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57070/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland’s embassy and consulate network is being utilised to promote SME trade opportunities abroad; if he will provide examples of recent initiatives or successes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57069/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps his Department and the diplomatic network are taking to support Irish small and medium enterprises seeking to enter new export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57060/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland’s diplomatic network is being used to promote Ireland as a tourism destination, particularly in key overseas markets; whether additional initiatives are planned to strengthen tourism ties abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57137/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 112, 141 and 159 together.
Deepening Ireland’s global engagement and driving trade and prosperity are core priorities for this Government and for my Department. Trade promotion in particular remains a key priority and there will be more than forty Ministerial-led trade missions to different parts of the world this year. Between now and the end of the year there will be trade missions supporting Irish business to the US, South Africa, Canada and Germany amongst others.
These of course involve close collaboration right across Government Departments and Agencies. My Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, given the lead role of that Department and the agencies under its remit on tourism and trade promotion, including supports provided to SMEs.
Tourism Ireland is responsible, for marketing the island of Ireland as a tourism destination working directly with partners in the tourism industry. Enterprise Ireland supports Irish companies expanding internationally and is the primary conduit for supports to SMEs such as the LeanPlus grant, GradStart, and the Dynamic Leadership – Roadmap to Growth programme.
My Department also plays a key role in coordinating Ireland’s overall international promotional work. This is primarily led through the Government Trade Forum, which I established earlier this year and which has already met on eight occasions. In addition to business representatives, the Forum also has the CEOs of the relevant State Agencies involved in trade promotion as part of its membership.
This work is also driven through the Headquarters Market Team which is co-chaired by officials in my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Both bodies includes senior representatives from Tourism Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Both the Government Trade Forum and the HQ Market Team oversee implementation of the Government’s new Action Plan on Market Diversification.
Under the Trade and Investment Strategy, our Ambassadors lead Local and Regional Market Teams, which includes all of the relevant State agencies including Tourism Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. These teams provide important strategic direction and effective coordination of Team Ireland’s activities overseas, with a view to maximising the value and impact of Ireland’s in-market promotional activities including on tourism promotion and supporting Irish businesses access to new markets.
Specific promotion activities supported by the diplomatic network include overseas trade and tourism missions organised by Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland. More broadly, the diplomatic network also works to raise awareness of, and interest in, Ireland through annual global campaigns, particularly around St. Brigid’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Bloomsday.
My Department also leads coordination on major economic and public diplomacy initiatives, which serve to raise awareness of Ireland as a location to invest, study, live and do business. Examples of this include Ireland House at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festival, which takes place in Austin, Texas, in March every year, and the recently completed Expo in Osaka, Japan.
My Department will continue to support mission-led initiatives in 2026, promoting Ireland as a tourism destination and a place to do business, as well as promoting Irish businesses, in close partnership with state agencies, and in line with our strategic priorities.
105. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement and supports his Department provides for emigrants seeking to return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57053/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures his Department is taking to support young Irish emigrants who wish to return home, given the practical difficulties many face in securing housing, employment, and basic documentation on their return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 134 together.
In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, I am committed to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for our diaspora.
I am currently hosting a series of consultations with Irish communities around the world to inform our new diaspora strategy. As part of these discussions, I always ensure that time is provided for those considering retuning home, so I can hear their experiences first hand. These in-person engagements have been supplemented by an online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which also asked participants for any views they have on returning to Ireland. These are important discussion and the views will feed into our new strategy.
Even ahead of our new strategy, we are focused on supporting those who wish to come home.
Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we fund the Citizens’ Information Board's "Returning to Ireland" portal, which contains a wide range of very practical information and advice for returning emigrants. Furthermore, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade works closely with partners such as Crosscare and Safe Home, who provide information and support to returning Irish emigrants.
We also fund Back for Business, an initiative we established to support and guide Irish entrepreneurs who have returned, or plan to return, to Ireland.
Through the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad which I chair, we also work closely with other departments on specific issues such as access to PPS numbers and the criteria around habitual residence in areas such as social protection and housing.
Driving Licence exchange is another issue that comes up regularly. Ireland currently allows licence exchanges with 21 jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and seven Canadian provinces. As such agreements with the US have to bee concluded on a State by State basis, our focus initially is on those states with a significant Irish population. Engagement is currently underway with New York State.
I am also pleased to see that some private insurance companies are now offering specialised motor insurance cover policies for returning emigrants, which is an issue that has been raised with me in the past.
106. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the engagement there has been at EU level on the EU-Israel agreement and the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57039/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date by which the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025 will be introduced in Dáil Éireann; his views on whether there should be no delay in its progression amidst the lull in the conflict; his views on the fact that illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have only grown in number over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57022/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill. The main purpose of the Bill is to prohibit the importation of goods into the State from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade has now published its report on the Bill. Work to analyse the report and its recommendations is well underway. The next steps in the process, including the timeline for the progress of the Bill, are currently being considered.
Regarding the wider issue of EU trade with Israel in the context of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the European Commission put forward proposals in September which included the suspension of the trade elements of that Agreement. Notwithstanding the positive and welcome recent developments with regard to a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, Ireland has made clear its view that the EU must keep the package of measures proposed by the Commission in response to Israeli human rights and other breaches on the table. In her State of the Union address, the President of the European Commission was clear on the rationale for tabling the package of proposals, which remains valid.
At the Foreign Affairs Council, I welcomed the ceasefire and release of hostages and called for the EU to support efforts to flood Gaza with urgently needed humanitarian aid. Preserving the ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian access at scale is a priority. I also recalled the unacceptable nature of what has been happening in the West Bank and stressed the importance of ensuring that the concept of a two-State solution resulting in a viable, contiguous Palestinian State in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, remains front and centre in the EU's approach, and that all future phases of the current agreement are conducive to its implementation.
107. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the protests, often marred by police violence, that have been ongoing across Serbia for the past 11 months; his views on whether the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Serbia could be seen as a statement of support for President Aleksandar Vučić amidst allegations of corruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57023/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been closely following the situation in Serbia over the past year, after the horrific collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024. Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right and core value of our Union that must be respected. It must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law.
Ireland is a strong supporter of merit-based EU enlargement and believes that candidate and potential candidate countries must implement all necessary reforms, including adherence to the rule of law and EU fundamental values, to progress towards EU membership.
As outlined in the most recent Enlargement Package, notwithstanding Serbia progressing towards EU acquis in a range of areas, including economic integration with the EU, the Commission confirmed that civil society operates in a difficult environment and that Serbia needs to progress previous recommendations in relation to freedom of expression.
President Von der Leyen used her recent visit to Serbia to call for the implementation of necessary reforms, including on the rule of law, the electoral framework and media freedom. She stated categorically in her joint press conference with President Vucic that freedom of expression and assembly were fundamental values of the EU, and that adherence to these tenets are expected of all candidate countries. President Von der Leyen’s visit also included meetings with members of civil society in Serbia. The visit was also a timely reminder for Serbian citizens of the opportunities and benefits that can be offered by EU membership.
In September 2025, Ireland opened a resident Embassy in Belgrade. Ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency next year, the Embassy will engage with the Serbian government and with Serbian civil society to support necessary reforms required for Serbia to progress on their EU path. Ireland will continue to encourage Serbia to implement the necessary reforms needed to align with EU acquis.
109. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps which have been taken by Ireland and the EU to ensure a stable and representative new government develops in Syria that respects minorities and the rule of law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57162/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the recent elections in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56949/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 139 together.
Syria remains in a state of transition, with the new authorities working to establish agreements and set out pathways towards inclusive governance while ensuring justice and accountability. Ireland and our EU partners are committed to supporting the emergence of a Syria that is equal, inclusive, and ensures the protection and integration of all communities.
It was welcome to see steps towards forming a stable and representative new government through the holding of parliamentary elections earlier this month. These are the first elections to take place since the fall of the Assad regime and were undertaken under a temporary electoral system. Two-thirds of the members were elected by representative electoral colleges and the balance will be appointed by President Al Sharaa.
There has been broad acceptance that these elections, limited as they were, represented a step forward for Syria. I hope that those elected and still to be appointed can play a positive role in rebuilding Syria.
I was pleased to see that International observers were invited to monitor the process and that it had included multiple consultative phases, mechanisms for appeal, and steps to increase women's participation and diverse representation. President Al Sharaa has a further opportunity through his nominations to increase the representation of women and minority groups.
It was disappointing that security concerns and lack of agreement with the local populations in Suwayda, Raqqa and Hasakah meant that voting was postponed there. Syria continues to differ from a legacy of sectarian and ethnic tensions, economic deprivation and humanitarian need, and external interference, in particular in the South West from Israel but also from Turkey in the North East and worrying reports of increasing Iranian influence. Overcoming this legacy includes challenging negotiations with the different religious and ethnic groupings to ensure an inclusive transition for all Syrians.
We welcome the return of Syria to international and regional organisations and its international engagement are important steps towards national stability.
Ireland pledged over €22 million to the Syrian crisis at the Brussels Conference in March this year and supported the early lifting of EU economic sanctions. The lifting of sanctions provides an opportunity for the Syrian people to access economic opportunities that will help them to rebuild their country.
Syria is discussed regularly at the EU Foreign Affairs Council and Ireland and its EU partners will continue to monitor progress and developments on the ground.
110. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional measures that will be supported by the increase in the ODA budget this year. [57155/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2026 the Government has provided €840.3 million for the international development assistance programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is an increase of €30 million on 2025. It represents the highest ever level of funding for the Irish Aid programme and is a clear sign of Ireland’s commitment to working in partnership to save and improve lives around the world.
This funding will allow us to further increase Ireland’s humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza and put a stronger focus on the conflict in Sudan, which has created the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world. It will also allow us to increase our focus on targeting the scandal of child malnutrition, as well as strengthening our work to deliver critical support, such as healthcare and education, that allows people to build better futures for themselves.
Since my appointment as Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, I have also sought to continue to advance Ireland’s intervention in the area of maternal health and the rights of women and girls in Irish Aid programme countries.
I have seen the positive work that Ireland’s investment in the area of maternal health and rights has realised first hand on my visits to Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Sierra Leone.
111. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on any recent engagement he has had with the British Secretary for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56957/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his recent engagement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57041/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 124 together.
Seeking a joint approach to fundamental reform of the UK Legacy Act has been at the heart of all of my meetings and phone discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, since I assumed my current role. This engagement has been both intensive and constructive.
In the past two months, I have met with and talked to SoS Benn on a number of occasions.
At the British Irish Association conference on 5 September in Oxford, we undertook a joint session, in which we both delivered remarks and engaged in a wider discussion. My remarks focused on the momentum behind the British-Irish partnership, the upcoming 40th anniversary of the historic Anglo-Irish Agreement and the importance of political leadership for transformational change. I emphasised that, twenty-seven years on from the Good Friday Agreement, we needed to agree a way forward and comprehensively deal with the legacy of the Troubles. Separately, I had a bilateral meeting with the Secretary of State on the same day, focused on finalising agreement on legacy, and on discussing the then forthcoming appointment by both Governments of an Independent Expert on paramilitary transition.
On 19 September the Secretary of State and I announced the publication of an agreed Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles at Hillsborough Castle. On the morning of the announcement, we met with range of victims’ and survivors groups in Belfast, to brief them on the contents of the Joint Framework ahead of its publication. This built on my ongoing engagement with these groups throughout the year.
This was an important and historic moment, representing a return to partnership between both Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
I was invited by the UK Foreign Secretary to attend a meeting of the Berlin Process in Hillsborough Castle on 8 October. This provided a first opportunity to re-engage with Secretary of State Benn on the Joint Framework since its publication, as well as to discuss the UK Government’s plan to introduce digital ID cards. On this point, I stressed the importance of any ID card scheme not undermining the rights enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, or the operation of the Common Travel Area.
On 14 October, the Secretary of State published legislation in the House of Commons to amend the UK Legacy Act. I am examining this closely and expect to discuss this in more detail with SoS Benn in the coming weeks.
113. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on the growing crackdown on human rights in Hong Kong by the Chinese Communist Party. [56819/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Hong Kong and the impact on the political pluralism and rule of law that are central to Hong Kong’s identity and prosperity.
The use of the National Security Law, together with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance that was introduced in 2024, undermines human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. In addition, the legislative changes have had a chilling effect the civic space and are a risk to Hong Kong’s high-degree autonomy of under the One Country, Two Systems principle.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that human rights remains on the agenda with China, and we will continue to raise our concerns with regard to the situation in Hong Kong, at the bilateral level. Most recently, I set out Ireland’s long-standing concerns around the human rights situation in China, including in Hong Kong, during my meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister in February.
Ireland also regularly raises this issue in multilateral fora. At the recent 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in September, Ireland’s national statement brought attention to our concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression, and called for the right to freedom of assembly and association to be respected in Hong Kong. At the last Universal Periodic Review of China at the HRC in 2024, Ireland focused on the restrictions on freedom of expression, including in Hong Kong, and called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that human rights remains on the agenda with China, and we will continue to raise our concerns with regard to the situation in Hong Kong, at the bilateral and multilateral level.
114. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's Arab-Ireland trade strategy in view of the recent summit in the Mansion House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56950/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2024, the Government approved Ireland’s Strategy for the Middle East and North Africa, the last of the regional strategies under the Global Ireland Strategy. The strategy sets out a comprehensive vision to enhance the totality of the relationships between Ireland and this diverse and dynamic region.
The Government recognises the promise and potential of the MENA region for Irish businesses and therefore key objectives of the strategy are to strengthen two-way economic partnerships and reinforce a collaborative Team Ireland approach. The strategy defines a number of commitments towards reaching that objective, including: supporting Ireland’s strategic trade objectives by promoting trade, tourism, education, research, and investment links, and assisting new and existing Irish-MENA business networks across the region. A regional market team covering the GCC countries assures a coordinated approach by Embassies and state agencies in that subregion. The recent announcement of the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification further underlined the importance of key international markets such as the Middle East and North Africa region.
The MENA strategy also includes a commitment to support the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce in its holding of the biennial Arab-Irish Business Forum to help strengthen dialogue between Irish and Arab businesses. This year's event in the Mansion House in September highlighted opportunities and success stories from Irish businesses in the region. It was organized and executed by the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and state agencies. My Department also assisted in identifying speakers from the region.
In 2024, trade in goods to the Middle East and North Africa region amounted to €9.4 billion, with trade in services for 2023 at €25.1 billion. I believe these figures can be increased. In closing I would note that many Irish businesses now maintain a physical presence in Arab countries across several diverse sectors.
115. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland’s participation in the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57160/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his engagement to date with the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority (PA); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57025/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 125 together.
Ireland is a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian Authority and this Government is committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority, both politically and financially.
This is why, at UN High Level Week in September, Ireland joined the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority, a coalition established in response to the urgent and unprecedented financial crisis confronting the Palestinian Authority. The immediate purpose of the Coalition is to stabilise the Palestinian Authority’s finances and preserve its ability to govern, provide essential services, and maintain security, all of which are indispensable to regional stability and to preserving the two-State solution.
There is strong consensus at EU and international level that Israel must release revenues withheld from the Palestinian Authority. The estimated USD$2 billion deficit in Palestinian Authority financing is driven largely by Israel’s action in Gaza and the West Bank and Israel’s continued withholding of Palestinian Authority tax receipts, which are now estimated to be close to USD$3 billion. Israel has not transferred any of the tax revenue to the Palestinian Authority since April 2025.
In June 2024, the European Council stressed that actions weakening the Palestinian Authority must stop and called on Israel to release withheld clearance revenues and to take the necessary measures to ensure that correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks remain in place. In its statement at the EU-Israel Association Council in February, the EU also stressed the importance of the full implementation and updating of the Paris Protocol, including regarding full, timely, predictable and transparent transfer of tax and customs revenues. I also discussed the urgency of this issue with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in the margins of the Munich Security Conference in February.
At the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg yesterday, I reiterated the importance of European Union support for the Palestinian Authority and its key role in the governance of a future Palestinian State. I also welcomed the establishment by the Commission President of a dedicated Palestine Donor Group.
Ireland welcomed the EU’s payments to the Palestinian Authority of €172 million in 2025 and continues to call for additional emergency funding for the Palestinian Authority at least equal to the EU’s vital €400 million in additional support in 2024.
Along with the Foreign Ministers of the Emergency Coalition, I have called for Israel to immediately release all Palestinian clearance revenues and cease any measures that obstruct or weaken the Palestinian Authority or risk its collapse.
My officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recently met with members of the Coalition, as well as with the Palestinian Minister for Finance and Minister for Planning. The meeting was an opportunity to better understand the specific financing needs of the Palestinian Authority. The Coalition presents an opportunity for contributing states to turn political support for the PA into tangible action, while also maintaining pressure on Israel to release all withheld tax revenue.
Ireland has provided over €101 million in support of the people of Palestine since January 2023. This includes €58 million to UNRWA of which €20 million was provided in February 2025. Over €89 million of Ireland’s support has been provided since October 2023. Over €35 million has been provided as far in 2025 for the people of Palestine, including an additional €6 million announced last week to support our UN partners as they prepare to ramp up aid supplies following the ceasefire.
116. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is supporting the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56999/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been consistent in the pursuit of accountability for Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. This includes the accountability of the Russian leadership responsible for the crime of aggression. Ireland is one of 38 states, plus the EU, in the Core Group for the establishment of a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
On 9 May, Minster of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, attended a ministerial meeting of the Core Group in Lviv, Ukraine, to give political endorsement to the draft legal instruments necessary to establish the Special Tribunal within the legal framework of the Council of Europe.
These instruments consist of a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe establishing the Special Tribunal, the Statute of the Special Tribunal which is annexed to this bilateral agreement, and an enlarged partial agreement within the Council of Europe legal framework which will govern the financing and administration of the Tribunal.
The draft legal instruments resulted from two years of intensive negotiations within the Core Group, in which Ireland played an active part. Ireland’s position throughout the negotiations was to support an outcome that is consistent with international law and acceptable to Ukraine.
On 25 June Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe signed the bilateral agreement on the establishment of the Special Tribunal. The agreement will enter force once a number of criteria are met, including the establishment of the enlarged partial agreement by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Ireland will continue to positively engage at the Council of Europe to ensure that the Special Tribunal is established and operational as soon as reasonably possible.
117. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the €2.5 million allocation for international market diversification will be targeted to reduce Ireland’s trade exposure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57063/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional measures in Budget 2026 to foster stronger trade links with our international partners. [57154/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 168 together.
Recent developments in the international trading environment underline the need for a comprehensive national approach to support businesses in Ireland – both large and small – to achieve their market diversification ambitions. This was a consistent message from business groups at the Government Trade Forum, since I established it in February this year.
In April, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and I tasked our Departments to jointly develop a whole of government market diversification action plan, to bring together all of the supports available and to set out a plan to strategically support market diversification.
In August, the Minister and I published the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. The plan recognises that concerted action from across Government is required if we are to effectively support businesses in their market diversification ambitions. This in line with our Programme for Government commitment to support Irish-based enterprises.
The Action Plan contains over 100 actions to be delivered by Departments and agencies including my Department, anchored around four objectives:
• Supporting Exporting Businesses and Market Access,
• Deepening and Broadening Ireland’s International Engagement,
• Delivering Trade and Tourism Missions for Strategic Impact, and
• Enhancing Domestic Readiness for Economic Engagement and Partnership.
Priority actions for my Department include further advancing the EU Single Market, working strategically with Ireland’s business diaspora, leveraging the All Island economy to maximum extent possible and building strong business and political relationships to underpin our trading relationships – both in priority markets such as the EU, US and UK and also in new and emerging markets.
The Action Plan is part of comprehensive set of initiatives by Government to enhance the resilience of our economy given changes in the global trading environment. It complements other new initiatives by the Government including the recently published Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
As part of Budget 2026, my Department was allocated €2.5 million to reinforce Ireland’s mission network across the USA – a priority market for Irish businesses - and to strengthen Ireland’s presence in key locations around the world as part of our market diversification strategy.
Budget 2026 also provides funding for market diversification to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the State agencies.
The Government Trade Forum will oversee implementation of the Action Plan and will ensure that the actions included in the plan will be delivered.
