Foreword

We must lead by putting in place the conditions to support and enable businesses and citizens to make more sustainable decisions and investments for employers and employees. We must also remain aware of the importance of fair, responsible and balanced growth in all parts of the country.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, T.D.

We have an ambitious programme of work ahead of us which will ensure that our priorities are achieved. I have confidence that the commitment, expertise and agility of the Department’s staff will allow us to meet the challenges in the period ahead.

This new Statement of Strategy comes at a time of both global uncertainty and national economic strength. Our country now has record numbers in employment, a positive trade balance and continued economic growth, despite many challenges. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, together with its Offices and Agencies, has played an integral role in supporting our robust economy and continues to facilitate the creation of high quality, sustainable enterprises and employment.

Together with my colleagues, Minister of State Dara Calleary T.D. and Minister of State Neale Richmond, T.D. I look forward to working closely with the Secretary General and the staff of the Department, its Offices and Agencies, in implementing this strategy.

We must now set a new direction, which will not only protect and build on the progress made, but will also set us on a path to advancing the digital and green transitions. The Government commitment to building a greener, more sustainable, and more prosperous Ireland will necessitate further integrating decarbonisation and net zero commitments into enterprise policy and programme delivery.

The ambition of the Department has been given a fresh impetus with the publication of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022- 2030, which sets out our vision for Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity as well as delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods.

Our strategic approach for 2023 – 2025 will reflect the objective of the White Paper to ensure that Ireland continues to build on its strengths, as an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment, a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and a resilient labour market.

Secretary General Dr Orlaigh Quinn (Retired May 2023)

Secretary General Declan Hughes

The Strategy has been developed with the benefit of an extensive range of inputs received from stakeholders during our open consultation, and I would like to thank all those who have made submissions.

This Statement of Strategy 2023 – 2025 builds on the major progress we have made towards delivering the priorities set out for us in the Programme for Government, Our Shared Future. The vision, mission and goals set out in our 2021 Strategy gave us a framework to support businesses to withstand the turbulence of the past few years as we successfully managed a series of unprecedented economic challenges arising from a global pandemic and uncertain trading conditions.

We are once again embarking on a strategic planning cycle defined by uncertainty and challenge – this time as the result of war in Europe and its consequences for energy security, trade, and the cost of living. Maintaining agility, responsiveness and adaptability in delivering enterprise supports will remain critical in the coming years. We will also remain focused on protecting workers, safeguarding consumers and promoting responsible and inclusive business practices.