1029. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to strengthen links between multinational companies and indigenous SMEs, including increasing procurement opportunities, supply-chain participation and technology transfer, to maximise the long-term benefits of foreign direct investment for Irish-owned businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60636/26]

My Department works closely with the enterprise development agencies IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland (EI) to support the scaling of SMEs and to help them access the supply chains of Ireland’s FDI base.

Most recently I have asked the Chief Executives of both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to review over a six week period the Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies, and to identify opportunities to strengthen and enhance the MOU to support greater collaboration and cooperation.

In line with the commitment under the Programme for Government to support Irish companies in accessing the supply chains of large MNCs, a number of initiatives are being advanced which are aimed at strengthening these linkages.

The EI and IDA Global Sourcing Programme is the central mechanism by which both agencies drive supply-chain collaboration. It aims to connect innovative Irish SMEs with procurement teams in multinational firms, enabling them to compete for contracts and build long-term trading relationships.

The agencies are continuously collaborating to grow supply chain linkages, to provide EI client companies with greater market access in the form of opening sales channels with FDI companies in Ireland, thereby increasing sales of Irish goods and services to IDA clients. This collaboration has delivered a number of joint agency networking events, taking place in Waterford, Athlone, Limerick and Mullingar, focused on linkage opportunities in digital manufacturing, life sciences and green technology solutions. Further events are planned for Q4 2026 and 2027.

Similarly, greenfield introductions provide a targeted way to identify high impact projects that create opportunities for EI clients to engage with new IDA investments. For instance, IDA recently facilitated introductions between a major overseas MedTech company and sixteen EI client firms, enabling these companies to pitch their services directly to the client’s senior management team.

Additionally, corporate in-house venture capital (CVC) funds offer a valuable financing pathway for scaling Irish start-ups as they look to strategically invest in innovative products, services, and business models, including those supporting digitalisation and the green transition. Recognising this opportunity, IDA has facilitated introductions for EI to several US based corporate CVC teams. EI is now leveraging these connections by linking suitable client companies with these investment teams where appropriate.

IDA also collaborates with EI client companies to support the delivery of digitalisation services, particularly in developing the technical specifications needed to implement sustainable digital solutions across both services and manufacturing companies. In addition, EI clients are also engaged in the delivery of Digital Lean programmes to clients. EI and IDA established the Lean Business Ireland website to support clients on their Lean journeys. This has been a successful joint venture supporting both SME and multinational companies.

MNCs favour resilient suppliers capable of sustaining delivery through global market volatility. As such, there are a number of mechanisms in place which give Irish SMEs the visibility required to enter multinational sourcing pipelines. This includes international exposure through EI-led trade missions, including the largest-ever trade mission in February 2026 involving over 85 Irish companies engaging with European and multinational buyers.

EI also offers a number of grants which focus on strengthening SME resilience, therefore making them stronger supply chain partners, including the Market Research Grant and the New Markets Validation Grant.

By combining capability supports with international exposure and structured engagement with MNCs, EI are building a stronger indigenous base capable of meeting global procurement standards and contributing to Ireland’s long-term competitiveness.

Additionally, the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity highlights that IDA and EI have a long-standing track record of working closely together to foster an ecosystem that facilitates the development of both FDI and Irish enterprises. The measures in the plan are designed to further support growth drivers including research, innovation, skills and the green economy.

My Department will continue to ensure that Irish SMEs are provided with the support required to enhance their supply and innovation links, enabling them to increase their economic impact, strengthen their supply chain resilience and deepen their multinational engagement.