Fine Gael Deputy James Bannon has called on the Taoiseach to be a more ‘visible presence’ on the international stage in seeking to secure business contracts for Ireland.
“We only have to look at the Germans, French, or British who send out their presidents or prime ministers to sign new international contracts to see that this is what’s needed to obtain international confidence in Ireland Inc,” he said.
“This Fianna Fáil/ Green Government, on the other hand, sends along delegations from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. While these delegates are, I am sure, fine people, they do not have the same political clout as a head of government.
“The Taoiseach and his Government must take a more active role in securing contracts and deals for Irish firms. In particular they must get out there and lobby Canada, Russia, and other oil rich countries to garner new business for Irish energy companies.
“There must be a greater Government push to ensure Irish businesses are being supported abroad through our ambassador’s networks and political input. When has this Government publicly called a meeting of our ambassadors, informing them that they should be actively looking to help Irish businesses secure large contracts abroad? We need to ensure that whatever business is available is secured for Ireland and we need the Taoiseach at the helm as a driving force to make that happen.”
