17. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will join other European countries that already have well established trade offices in Taiwan and are benefiting substantially from their presence there; and if the Irish office will be reopened immediately. [50201/26]

79. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report any initiatives to increase trade with Taiwan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50030/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 79 together.

It is important to first note that Ireland, along with our EU partners, maintains a consistent One China Policy. This means that we recognise the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and we do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, this does not preclude the development of economic, trade, cultural, and people-to-people connections with Taiwan.

Indeed, there is a significant amount of economic activity between Ireland and Taiwan. In 2024 – the latest year for which full statistics on goods and services are available from the Central Statistics Office – the total value of trade between Ireland and Taiwan was approximately €5.4 billion. In terms of trade in goods in 2024, Ireland’s exports were valued at €373 million and imports at €2.1 billion. In terms of trade in services in 2024, Ireland’s exports were valued at €2.1 billion and imports valued at €872 million.

In terms of supporting trade and economic links with Taiwan, I note that IDA Ireland, the agency responsible for attracting foreign direct investment, currently manages the Taiwanese market from its Singapore office, and Enterprise Ireland, the agency responsible for enterprise development, manages the market from its office in Hong Kong. I note also that European Commission convenes a regular Trade and Investment Dialogue (TID) to discuss bilateral trade and investment matters with Taiwan on behalf of the EU.

I am also aware that some EU Member States have trade offices in Taipei. I note also that European Union established the European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei in 2003, which works to strengthen economic and trade relations with Taiwan on behalf of all EU Member States. There has also been a Taipei Representative Office in Dublin since 1988.

The opening of new offices is kept under review by the Government, with consideration for a broad range of policy issues. However, it is important to note that the opening of new offices requires substantial resources. As such decisions are evaluated on the basis of a number of factors, including whether existing offices can adequately cover the work.