Exporters welcome new group recommendation

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has welcomed a proposal to establish a new body called Export Ireland, within Enterprise Ireland, with its own budget and an experienced leadership.

The proposal was made in a series of recommendations to the Government by the Enterprise Strategy Group, chaired by Eoin O'Driscoll.

IEA president Michael Counahan said: "This move responds to strong representations made by the IEA and others on the vital importance of an export-led enterprise development strategy and the need for state agencies to prioritise this.

"The establishment of Export Ireland is long overdue and will be welcomed by all exporters as will the more focused approach to market intelligence and trade promotional activities which a professional export board can provide".

The Association also supported the recommendation on the development of enterprise-led business networks.