267. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the key measures taken in the area of trade and investment since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53466/26]

Ireland’s economic success is underpinned by our position as an open, trading economy and by our continued ability to attract and retain high-quality investment. My Department works closely with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, InterTradeIreland, Tourism Ireland and other stakeholders across Government to support export growth, market diversification and inward investment.

A key focus has been the implementation of the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, launched in August 2025. The Plan contains over 100 actions across Government Departments and State agencies aimed at supporting Irish companies to access new markets, strengthen existing trading relationships and enhance Ireland’s economic resilience in a changing global environment. Progress is monitored and reviewed on a six-monthly basis.

Measures delivered under this work include new Enterprise Ireland supports to assist companies through changing trade environments in existing markets and diversification strategies, market diversification supports through InterTradeIreland and expanded international tourism promotion activity by Tourism Ireland in a number of European markets.

My Department and its agencies have also continued to deliver a programme of trade, tourism and investment missions and overseas engagements aimed at securing market access for Irish companies, promoting Irish exports, strengthening bilateral economic relationships and showcasing Ireland as a location for investment and job creation. These efforts are supported by Tourism Ireland and Enterprise Ireland’s global network and by IDA Ireland’s ongoing work to attract and retain investment across all regions of the country.

During this period, Ireland has also hosted and supported a number of international trade engagement initiatives, including the Africa Ireland Trade Horizons Conference in June 2025 and the Ireland–Latin America and Caribbean Trade Horizons Forum in May 2026, which brought together business and government leaders to explore opportunities for increased trade, investment and commercial cooperation.

In relation to investment, IDA Ireland continues to promote Ireland as a premier location for foreign direct investment. Employment in IDA client companies remains at record levels and the Agency continues to focus on attracting investment in strategic sectors including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and international financial services.

The priorities for the remainder of 2026 are to continue supporting Irish businesses to diversify into new markets and increasing our presence in existing markets, strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness, maintain our strong performance in attracting investment, and advance Ireland’s interests through our Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

A particular priority during Ireland’s EU Presidency will be advancing initiatives to strengthen European competitiveness, deepen the Single Market and reduce barriers to trade in goods and services. Full implementation of the Single Market Strategy and measures that support economic resilience, investment and market access will be central elements of this work.

My Department will continue to work across Government, with enterprise agencies and with international partners to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive location for investment and a globally connected trading nation that supports sustainable growth, quality employment and prosperity throughout the country.