Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for Trade and Development

Speaking at the Labour Party National Conference in Killarney, Joe Costello TD, the Minister for Trade and Development, said that international trade has played a key role in Ireland regaining its economic sovereignty, despite the austerity that was endured. 

"Labour in Government has made much progress in boosting our exports.  As the Central Council motion states, total exports were at a historic high of €182 billion in 2012 - some 16 per cent higher than their pre-crisis levels in 2007.  The export sector plays a key role in Ireland's recovery, and more than 15,000 export related jobs have been created since 2011. 

"The number of Enterprise Ireland ministerial-led trade missions has more than doubled annually since 2011.   Over the past two years, I have led trade missions to 16 countries, including Canada, South Africa, Ghana, Turkey, Russia, Mexico and China.  The aim of these trade missions was to cement and build on links and open new doors for increased export business.  Central to the Government's plan for jobs and growth is creating a powerful engine of indigenous enterprise.  Indigenous exporting companies, directly and indirectly, provide over 300,000 jobs in Ireland at present.  The intensive programme of trade and investment missions contributes strongly to the protection of existing jobs and the creation of more jobs at home in Ireland. 

"International trade has contributed enormously to our economy while consumption has been flat at home.  The buoyancy in international trade was a key factor that assisted Ireland to meet its targets and, thereby, say goodbye to the Troika.  

"The sacrifice and solidarity of the Irish people allowed the domestic market to recover, while the political and economic reputation of Ireland abroad was rebuilt largely by the Tanaiste in the crucial portfolio of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  Coupled with the ability and willingness of our small and medium enterprises to carve out markets abroad with the assistance of Ministerial trade missions, Ireland was able to meet its targets during the dark years of the Troika, when markets were stagnant at home."