Goal 5:

Ensure that Ireland’s position on all trade deals supports the transition to a sustainable global economy and takes account of the needs of developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries, in the EU and global trading system.

Support the implementation of the EU-UK trading arrangements, as set out in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, to ensure Ireland’s interests are protected and that the impacts of Brexit on businesses are mitigated.

Implement the Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026, overseen by the Trade and Investment Council.

Assist enterprise to enter and benefit from international markets and to expand into new markets by taking full advantage of the EU Single Market and the network of EU Free Trade Agreements.

Work with our agencies as part of Team Ireland abroad, in the context of the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 Strategy, to promote our exports and highlight Ireland’s attractiveness for investment and innovation, to capitalise on global shifts in business models and emerging disruptive technologies and attract the next wave of technology and business activity.

Advance Ireland’s economic and trading interests in multilateral contexts, including the WTO and the OECD, and work jointly with the EC and EU Member States to ensure that the WTO is at the heart of a global, rules-based, multilateral trading system.

Ensure that Ireland has a robust legal and operational framework for regulating the export of controlled goods, in support of global security and introduce a mechanism to screen third country investment into Ireland.

Implement UN and EU Trade Sanctions in support of international law and human rights.

Promote responsible business practices against the background of developments at an EU and international level.

Outcome

New enterprise opportunities in an all-island economy, in international trade and investment, and increased and new types of FDI investments.

Figure from page 24

How we achieve this

Continue to implement our People Strategy 2021-2024 and invest in learning and career development to support our staff to deliver the Department’s mandate.

Embed our Blended Working Policy to fulfil our business objectives and provide staff with a positive work/life balance.

Build on wellbeing and other relevant initiatives in the Department and deliver a clear and compelling ‘responsible business’ offering, as part of our ambition to be an Employer of Choice.

Champion equality, diversity and inclusion for our staff and in the services we deliver as a Department, engaging with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.