Trade Relations

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Ceisteanna (130)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

130. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her trade priorities for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8635/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland will continue to play an active role in shaping trade policy during 2026, which is an exclusive EU competence. I will actively represent Ireland’s trade priorities in the Council of the EU, reflecting these positions when common EU negotiating positions are decided.

By acting together with EU partners, Ireland benefits from increased negotiating power, and I support an ambitious programme of EU negotiations with Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and the UAE. I am also focused on the implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement. I welcome the conclusion last week of an EU–India Free Trade Agreement, which is the largest trade deal ever concluded by either side and will deliver real opportunities for Irish exporters.

My Department will prioritise the opening of these new markets to support Irish and EU market diversification, economic resilience and European competitiveness, and to strengthen the multilateral, rules-based trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core.

The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification, which is a joint initiative of my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, will be prioritised in responding to the ongoing uncertainties in the global trading environment. Implementation of this Action Plan is underway on a whole-of-government basis, and will be kept under my review as Chair of the Government Trade Forum.

St. Patrick’s Day provides another unique global platform to advance our trading interests and values internationally. This St. Patrick’s Day, I look forward to visiting Boston as we seek to build a more ambitious and mutually beneficial EU-US trade and investment relationship, in line with the on-going implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement.

Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 99.

Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 101.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 115.