1049. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to support Irish exporters in diversifying into new international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61981/26]

My Department, through Enterprise Ireland, supports Irish companies to grow their business and secure new opportunities across the globe. As an open and globally connected economy, Ireland is deeply integrated into international supply chains and recent instability affecting key routes reinforces the importance of strengthened supply?chain resilience and market diversification.

The Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification provides a clear framework to help businesses adapt to the evolving global trading environment by growing into new and diverse markets, strengthening their presence in existing ones, and reducing exposure to any single region or supply route.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) is supporting this Action Plan through targeted financial supports, client advisory services and an expanded international footprint, helping Irish companies to broaden their export base and access high-growth overseas markets as part of a long-term, strategic approach to international growth. To support companies responding to international supply?chain disruptions, EI introduced two enhanced export development grants in 2025:

The Market Research Grant - provides up to €35,000 to companies to support in-depth market research and informed strategic decision-making. To date, 80 companies have either been approved for this grant or have approvals in progress.

New Markets Validation Grant - provides up to €150,000 to companies to enable them to validate entry into one or two priority new markets and de-risk international expansion. To date, 153 companies have either been approved for this grant or have approvals in progress.

These supports are assisting businesses in enhancing their resilience and diversification efforts. By funding practical operational and market diversification measures, the grants help exporters mitigate the impact of increased cost pressures, maintain competitiveness, and protect jobs in an uncertain global trading environment.

Market diversification is further supported through Enterprise Ireland’s global network of 42 international offices, which provide on-the-ground assistance and access to new customers and ecosystems. EI is also supporting a whole-of-Government approach overseas through the expansion of the Ireland House model, co-locating with other State agencies to maximise impact for clients. Ongoing one-to-one engagement with client companies, informed by overseas market intelligence and sectoral expertise, remains central to Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to build resilience and support sustainable export growth across a wider range of international markets.