Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
112. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which his Department is supporting Irish small and medium enterprises looking to enter international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38296/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland, supports Irish companies to grow their business and secure new opportunities across the globe.
Enterprise Ireland’s strategy positions international growth as central to its purpose of Accelerating Sustainable Irish Business. The strategy sets ambitious 2029 targets, including €50bn in export sales, 275,000 jobs, and 1,700 new Irish owned exporters, reflecting the critical role of global expansion in Ireland’s economic resilience.
Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland exported goods and services worth €36.75 billion in 2024, the highest level on record. The impact of this activity by Enterprise Ireland client companies can be seen in the €42.6 billion spent in the Irish economy in 2024.
Enterprise Ireland works with more than 4,500 Irish companies who are exporting or are in the early stages of their exporting journey. These companies span the Technology, Manufacturing and Internationally Trading Services sectors.
Enterprise Ireland helps Irish businesses to become global leaders in their field, by supporting them to explore international exporting opportunities to drive global growth. They have a range of supports to help companies develop market entry plans, fund market research and upskill leadership teams.
Businesses working with Enterprise Ireland benefit from international trade missions, trade event programmes and buyer visits, which are instrumental when growing and scaling internationally.
Based in 42 offices across 30 countries, Enterprise Ireland Market Advisors have the local knowledge and connections to guide companies in growing their export sales. Market Advisors are a vital source of market intelligence that can be accessed when planning a go-to-market strategy. They offer practical on-the-ground help and can provide connections to potential customers, partners, and important local stakeholders.
Based in Dublin, Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre (MRC) supports businesses with extensive market data, in-depth market analysis and tailored insights, so you can take a strategic approach to decisions and gain a competitive edge.
The MRC has the largest repository of specialist, online business databases in Ireland, providing access to the most authoritative market research resources.
Enterprise Ireland can also offer a range of market access grants to assist companies that are starting out on their export journey; supports available include the Digital Marketing Capability grant, the Evolve strategic planning grant, the Market Discovery Fund, and the Strategic Marketing Review.
Small businesses can also explore, target and exploit new business opportunities in markets outside Ireland through their local enterprise office. 'Get Exporting' is an export development programme available to small and medium enterprises and delivered nationally by Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices. It is for Irish manufacturing and internationally traded services companies looking to succeed in international markets. It is designed to support businesses at every stage of the journey towards achieving initial export sales.
