Minister McEntee to convene Government Trade Forum

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will convene a meeting of the Government Trade Forum today, Wednesday 22 April.

The Forum will consider a range of international developments, including the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, EU-US trade and tariffs, free trade agreements, market diversification, and the Government’s infrastructure plans and progress.

This will be the twelfth meeting of the Forum since its establishment.

The meeting will also be attended by the Tánaiste and Minister of Finance, Simon Harris TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee said: “The economic outlook for Ireland remains strong but we cannot be complacent about issues arising. We have seen real economic impacts from the events in the Gulf region, especially on energy. Today’s forum is about further engagement with economic stakeholders to discuss these impacts and the responses required. Government is very clear that our emphasis is firmly on dialogue with established representative groups and this is why we have a Government Trade Forum. I look forward to the discussion today on all aspects of our international trade.”

In reference to Ireland’s market diversification agenda, the Minister said: “When it comes to trade, it is important that we control what we can and promote Ireland and Irish business at every opportunity. St. Patrick’s Day engagements are crucial to our economic diplomacy efforts and this year saw the largest engagement yet by the State across the globe. 38 representatives of the State, led by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, visited 47 countries around the world. In line with the commitment in the Action Plan on Market Diversification, there was an enhanced focus on trade and investment in the programmes.

“I also welcome the new EU free trade agreement with Australia, which is another great opportunity for market diversification for Irish business, including exporters and service providers.”

“Regarding EU-US trade, I will provide an update on Section 301 investigations and tariffs, notably in relation to pharmaceuticals, steel and aluminium. We are keeping the situation under close scrutiny as it develops.”

Minister McEntee noted the meeting would also receive important updates regarding infrastructure. She said: “In line with our strategy of focusing on our domestic economic priorities, none are more important than investing in infrastructure. Today’s Forum will receive an update from Minister Jack Chambers who will update today on the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce and the Critical Infrastructure Bill. Ireland’s approach to infrastructure is front and centre for the Government and this will be an important moment to engage with the Forum on the matter.

“My own Department continues to progress a number of actions under the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, and I am pleased to say we have completed all relevant actions for Q1 2026 and continue to progress work on other actions due for completion later this year.”

ENDS

Press Office

22 April 2026