58. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the opportunities that forthcoming EU trade agreements will present for Irish businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50034/26]

73. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to ensure Ireland’s priorities, particularly rural development and regional trade, are represented in EU negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49866/26]

78. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps her Department has taken at EU level to secure investment and trade opportunities for the more rural areas of counties such as Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50190/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 73 and 78 together.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I support an ambitious EU trade policy agenda that promotes new Free Trade Agreements, and secures provisions that supports economic activity and trade in all our regions, as well providing enhanced market access supporting our agricultural sector and rural communities.

As a member of the EU, Ireland has access to the largest trade network in the world, with individual agreements covering trade relations with over 70 countries which allow preferential market access for companies from right across the country. That network of agreements is being continuously strengthened. Since the start of the year the EU has concluded trade deals with India and Australia.

The EU-India FTA is the largest trade deal ever concluded by either side and will deliver real opportunities for Irish businesses, offering improved market access with lower or eliminated tariffs in a broad range of sectors including spirits, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices and technology, as well as machinery and equipment. Furthermore, the agreement with Australia provides for market access on preferential terms in a number of strategically important sectors including pharmaceuticals, chemicals and engineering with mechanical and electrical machinery manufacturers set to benefit.

These trade deals will also deliver real opportunities for Irish farmers, and the wider agrifood sector and will help to support market diversification, build economic resilience and boost our competitiveness.

There are also several ongoing negotiations, including with the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and the UAE. During our Presidency of the Council of the European Union we will seek to promote this diversification agenda. In a turbulent international trading environment this is critical as we look to secure our critical supply chains, increase our trade flows and open up export markets for Irish companies including businesses and manufacturing firms that are based in our regions.

Furthermore, our enterprise agencies work to ensure that the opportunities available under the network of FTAs are pursued. Enterprise Ireland works to ensure that rural regions maximise the economic benefits of EU programmes and external trade agreements. Under its 2025-2029 Strategy, EI is leveraging EU structural funding to support growth in regional areas. 69% of new jobs created in EI-supported companies in 2025 were located outside of Dublin, demonstrating a strong regional impact. Additionally, IDA Ireland’s client companies directly employ more than 165,000 people in regional locations across the country. This regional strategy has a proven track record of success and IDA Ireland is committed to building on this in the years ahead.