​​​Political Record

 

Member of the G7, Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC)
Appointed by the President of the European Commission

2024 – Present

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Senior Advisor to Teneo

2024 – Present

Ambassador Ruhama

2024 – Present

Chair Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI)

2024 – Present

Member of the European Parliament (MEP)

Constituency: Dublin
Party: Fine Gael (EPP Group)

2019 – 2024
- Vice-Chair of the EPP Group in the European Parliament - Member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) - Member on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON)

Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister)
Government of Ireland

2016 – 2017 - Supported implementation of national economic and social policy incl response to Brexit

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

2017
- Promoted entrepreneurship and SME growth - Led initiatives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) - Advocated for gender diversity in corporate leadership
- She led International Trade Missions

Minister for Justice and Equality

2014 – 2017
- She oversaw a comprehensive series of legislative reforms and completed 28 Acts.
- She was the minister responsible for the Marriage Equality Referendum.
- Spearheaded comprehensive policing and justice reforms - Oversaw modernization of An Garda Síochána (Irish police force) - Introduced progressive equality and anti-discrimination legislation

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

2011 – 2014
-She established the Department of Children in 2011
- First-ever holder of this portfolio - Delivered the first referendum on children’s rights in Ireland - Established the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) - Advocated for child protection and early education and childcare reform

Teachta Dála (TD) for Dublin Bay South & Dublin Mid-West

Dublin Bay South 1992 – 2002, Dublin Mid-West 2011 – 2017
- Elected to Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament) - Served on various parliamentary committees related to health, social affairs & public accounts

Senator and Leader of the Opposition
2007 – 2011

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​​​​Major Legislative and Policy Achievements

Children’s Rights & Youth Reform
- Led the 2012 Children’s Rights Referendum, introducing Article 42A to the Irish Constitution. - Launched the 'Children First' guidance (2011) and enacted the Children First Act (2015). - Established Tusla (Child and Family Agency) in 2014. - Introduced the Children and Family Relationships Act (2015), expanding definitions of family and guardianship, expanding parental and guardianship rights.

Justice Reform & Social Equality
- Introduced 28 pieces of justice legislation between 2014–2017 as Minister for Justice. - Authored the Domestic Violence Act, including legal recognition of coercive control.
- Enacted the Sexual Offences Act 2017
-She expanded protections for victims in line with the EU Victims Directive.
- Oversaw establishment of the Policing Authority and reform of An Garda Siochana (AGS)

Gender Equality & European Advocacy
- Launched Ireland’s first national Strategy for Women and Girls. - As MEP, served on the FEMM Committee and was the coordinator for the EPP
- She was rapporteur and played leading role on the first ever directive on Violence Against Women Directive which was passed in 2024
- She championed equal pay, care, work-life balance reforms and anti-discrimination measures

LGBTQI+ and Family Law Advocacy
- Spearheaded the Marriage Equality referendum (2015) and oversaw its implementation as Minister for Justice. - Advocated for recognition of same-sex parental rights across EU member states. - Supported legislative reforms that expanded protections and rights for LGBTQI+ families.

Social Reform and Civic Contributions
- Advocated for child welfare and led foundational reforms in child and family services. - Championed civil rights and equality across gender, socioeconomic status, and age demographics. - Recognized across Europe for aligning Irish law with European values of human rights and dignity.

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​Department of Children and Youth Affairs - Key Events

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• Cloyne Report (13th July 2011)

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Cloyne-Joint-Statement

 

https://merrionstreet.ie/en/Category-Index/Society/Child-Protection/speech-by-minister-frances-fitzgerald-publication-of-cloyne-report-13th-july-2011.html

 

• ESRI – Launch of Growing up in Ireland Report (22nd July 2013)

https://www.esri.ie/events/launch-of-growing-up-in-ireland-mothers-return-to-work-and-childcare-choices-for-infants-in-ireland

 

• Building Oberstown (14th October 2013)

https://merrionstreet.ie/en/Category-Index/Society/Child-Protection/oberstown-construction-demonstrates-government-commitment-to-implementing-long-awaited-reforms-fitzgerald.html

 

• Implementing the Ryan report (2nd December 2013)

https://merrionstreet.ie/en/Category-Index/Society/Child-Protection/minister-fitzgerald-launches-report-on-implementation-of-child-abuse-inquiry-recommendations.html

 

• Tusla-Launch of the Child and Family Agency (30th January 2014)

https://www.tusla.ie/news/30th-january/

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​Department of Justice & Equality - Minister Frances Fitzgerald Record of Work, Legislation and Key Events - Strategies

 

Legislation

 

- Paternity Leave and Benefit Bill

- Proceeds of Crime (Amendment Bill)

- Commission of Investigation (IBRC) Bill

- Criminal Justice (Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment) Bill 2016

- General Scheme of New Summons Printing and Fixed Charge Notice Bill

- Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2016

- Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill 2016

- General Scheme of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2016

- Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017

- Commencement of certain provisions of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017

- Domestic Violence Bill 2017

- Mediation Bill 2017

- Commencement Order for section 17 of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015.

- Commencement of Part 4 of the Charities Act 2009

- Commencement of Section 2 of the Courts Act 2016 and of various sections of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004

 

The Paternity Leave and Benefit Bill meets the commitment in Budget 2016 and in the Programme for Government to introduce 2 weeks’ paternity leave and an associated social insurance benefit payment as from September 2016.

 

The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas on 20 July. This Bill is one of a range of additional measures introduced by the Tánaiste to tackle organised crime. The Bill further empowers the Criminal Assets Bureau to move quickly to seize the proceeds of crime and to target middle assets which were beyond its reach up to now. The Bill allows for the detention of the proceeds of crime for a period up to 21 days and also reduces the threshold in relation to the value of property from €13,000 to €5,000

 

The Commission of Investigation (Irish Bank Resolution Corporation) Bill 2016 passed all stages in the Oireachtas on 20 July 2016. The Commission of Investigation into Irish Bank Resolution Corporation was established by the Taoiseach in June 2015 under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.  Since its establishment, the Commission has identified a number of issues which have impacted the ability of the Commission to conduct its investigations.   

 

Following consultation with the Leaders and representatives of the Opposition it was agreed to introduce the provisions in this Bill to address the matters raised by the Commission.  This Bill has been prepared in consultation with the Commission with the purpose of ensuring that the Commission has the necessary powers to effectively perform its functions and conduct the important investigation for which it was established. 

 

Criminal Justice (Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment) Bill 2016.  The Tánaiste published this legislation on 22 July 2016. This legislation is a necessary response to the High Court finding of unconstitutionality in relation to the automatic activation of suspended sentences and will ensure that the suspended sentencing system can operate properly in terms of the necessary sequencing of court hearings and appeals mechanisms which are an inherent part of that process. It will now be considered by the Oireachtas.

 

The General Scheme of New Summons Printing and Fixed Charge Notice Bill was published on 21 June.  The proposed Bill under this Scheme will help to close a technical loophole that has emerged in relation to the unintended avoidance of fines and penalty points by some people believed to have committed offences under the Road Traffic Act. The Scheme published today will provide essential technical and administrative measures to allow for the introduction of a ‘third payment option’, to address a situation whereby some persons responsible for road traffic offences may not incur fines or penalty points for technical reasons. It will essentially restore fairness to the system.

 

The Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2016 was signed by the Tánaiste on 1 June 2016. This Order brings into force the remaining provisions of the Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act 2015 and will removes unnecessary costs and delays for debtors and creditors, free up court time and resources and allow more efficient and effective bankruptcy administration.

 

The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill 2016 was published by the Tánaiste on 29 December 2016. The Bill will transpose into Irish law Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime fulfilling a commitment in the Programme for Government to publish legislation to implement the EU Victims of Crime Directive.

 

The general scheme of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2016 was published by the Tánaiste on 6 December 2016. The Bill will deliver on the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government to reform the system for judicial appointments. 　

 

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. The provisions of this Act enhance and update laws to combat the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. It widens the range of offences associated with child pornography to ensure that no one who participates in any way in the creation, distribution, viewing or sharing of such abhorrent material can escape the law. 　

Also, the Bill provides greater clarity in relation to the definition of sexual consent for the first time.

 

Commencement of certain provisions of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. Certain provisions of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 were commenced by the Tánaiste with effect from Monday 27 March 2017. This initial commencement includes all new offences relating to the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. These include the new offences of child sexual grooming including the use of information and communications technology to facilitate such activity.

New offences relating to the sexual exploitation of persons with disabilities where the nature of that disability is such as to render the individual incapable of consenting to a sexual act are also being introduced and will replace the existing offence under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 relating to the protection of mentally impaired persons. 　

Also to be commenced with effect from Monday 27 March are the new offences targeting the demand for sexual services through prostitution. These new provisions also see those who provide sexual services through prostitution decriminalised from existing offences. 　

 

The Domestic Violence Bill 2017 was published by the Tánaiste on 3 February 2017.  The Bill will particularly improve the protections available to victims of domestic violence, most critically for cohabitants and parents in crisis situations. The Bill also aims to make the court process easier for victims of domestic violence. A victim will have the right to be accompanied to court by a family member, friend or support worker. A victim will be able to give evidence by live television link. There will be restrictions on attendance at both civil and criminal court proceedings and protections for the victim’s anonymity. The Domestic Violence Bill 2017 updates and consolidates the existing law in relation to domestic violence by integrating the changes to the Domestic Violence Act 1996 resulting from subsequent legislation. These include the changes made in the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act 2002, the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.　 

 

Second stage of the Mediation Bill 2017 took place on 2 March 2017. The general objective of the Bill is to promote mediation as a viable, effective and efficient alternative to court proceedings thereby reducing legal costs, speeding up the resolution of disputes and relieving the stress and acrimony which often accompanies court proceedings. The Bill also forms part, therefore, of the Government’s overall strategy to tackle the issue of legal costs.

 

Commencement Order for section 17 of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015. The effect of the Order is to enable the Policing Authority to assume, with effect from 31 May 2016, its statutory functions in relation to the civilian staff of An Garda Síochána.

 

Commencement of Part 4 of the Charities Act 2009. As of 5 September, the Charities Regulatory Authority has new investigatory and enforcement powers. Recruitment of the specialist regulatory staff required to make the most of these important functions is ongoing at the moment.

 

 In addition a number of important motions have progressed through the Oireachtas

 

- Motion in relation to sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009

- Motion in relation to Ireland's participation with CEPOL training programmes

 

Commencement Orders for Section 2 of the Courts Act 2016 and various sections of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004

S.I. No. 001 of 2017 brings section 2 of the Courts Act 2016 into operation from today, 11 January 2017. The section amends sections 140 and 196 of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 to specify that the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court in proceedings under that Act will be on the basis of a market value of €3,000,000 rather than the property’s rateable valuation. Where the market value of the property the subject of proceedings exceeds €3,000,000 then the High Court shall have jurisdiction unless the parties agree otherwise.

S.I. No. 002 of 2017 brings a number of sections of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 into operation from today, 11 January, 2017. From today, the Circuit Court’s jurisdiction will be based on the market value of the property (€3,000,000) rather than its rateable valuation.

 

Strategies

February 2017 - Migration Strategy http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/SP17000040

[3rd May 2017] – New National Women’s Strategy

http://justice.ie/en/JELR/National_Strategy_for_Women_and_Girls_2017_-_2020.pdf/Files/National_Strategy_for_Women_and_Girls_2017_-_2020.pdf

 

Other

May 2016 – New package of measures to tackle organised crime http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR16000117

Ongoing  - Accelerated Garda recruitment http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR16000233

Ongoing – Legal Services Regulatory Authority up and running http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR16000322

November 2016 – Defamation Act review - http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/T%C3%A1naiste-announces-statutory-review-of-Defamation-Act-2009-and-public-consultation-process

Ongoing – progress on Irish Refugee Protection Programme http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR16000387

December 2016 – Armed Support Unit on the streets http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR16000388

December 2016 – Policing Authority assumes power to make senior Garda appointments http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR17000119

February 2017 – Abhaile Mortgage Arrears Service launched - Abhaile, the national mortgage arrears resolution service, provides access to free expert financial and legal advice and assistance to home owners at risk of losing their homes, so they can put in place solutions to their mortgage arrears, with priority to allowing them to remain in their home where that is a sustainable option.

Homeowners in arrears are offered ‘vouchers’ which can be redeemed for financial and legal advice and assistance. Homeowners may be able to receive financial advice from a dedicated mortgage advisor, personal insolvency practitioner or an accountant, or a consultation with a solicitor. Additionally the duty solicitor scheme provides assistance at court for unrepresented borrowers in repossession proceedings. In certain cases, the scheme may offer legal aid to someone seeking a court review of a refusal of their lender to agree to a Personal Insolvency Arrangement.

6,117 vouchers for legal aid or assistance in respect of 3,732 different homes have been issued as of 13 April 2017.http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR17000068

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• Emily Logan – Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (31st October 2014)

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR14000304

 

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/SP14000180

 

• Josephine Feely- Reform of Gardaí (13th November 2014)

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR14000320

 

• Nóirin O’Sullivan – Appointed Garda Commissioner (25th November 2014)

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR14000344

 

• Legal Services Reform Bill (15th December 2015)

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR15000646

 

• Allowing Ombudsman into direct provision (23rd February 2017)

https://www.oco.ie/ga/news/ombudsman-children-can-now-investigate-complaints-direct-provision/

 

http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/press-release-asylum-seeker-report-recommendations-230217

 

• GSOC & Policing Authority 

 

• Groups in Justice - Consultation with all different agencies under remit of justice

 

• Closing St. Patrick’s (7th April 2017)

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR17000117

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Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI)

 

Trade Missions undertaken by Minister Frances Fitzgerald

 

1. Singapore & Japan

 

25th-29th September 2017

 

5-day trade visit aims to position Ireland as a post Brexit solution for Asian Companies

An Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, will commence a five-day joint Enterprise Ireland / IDA Ireland trade mission to Singapore and Japan today (Monday 25th September 2017)

The objectives of the trade mission include; supporting participating Irish companies to further their relationships with new and existing customers in Singapore and Japan, deepening relationships with existing IDA clients to secure further investments for Ireland, positioning Ireland as a post-Brexit solution for Asian companies, and promoting the potential of EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly from a ‘new opportunities for Irish companies’ perspective.

An Tánaiste will have bilateral meetings with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Minister for Trade and Industry, Lim Hng Kiang, during which she will underline Ireland’s commitment to the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, exchange views on the global and regional impact of Brexit on trade, and outline the opportunities for Singaporean firms to expand their markets in the EU using Ireland as a hub.

A number of the Enterprise Ireland client companies participating on the trade mission will announce partnerships and new business in the market.

During her visit to Japan, An Tánaiste will highlight the opportunities for Ireland arising from the EU Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Last year saw growth of 19% in Enterprise Ireland client exports to Japan with further strong growth projected.

Speaking prior to her departure, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD said: “I am delighted to be leading this trade and investment mission to Singapore and Japan. Trade Missions are vital in helping us expand into new and emerging markets across the world. Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, I am working closely with the agencies in my Department who have intensified their efforts on increasing the export market penetration and diversification of Irish companies into alternative markets.”

“This visit will strengthen our existing economic ties with Singapore and Japan and raise awareness of what Ireland can offer, both as a potential location for companies from the Asia-Pacific region and as a source of high-quality, innovative products and services. I look forward to engaging with key decision makers at the highest levels in Government and industry to promote Ireland as a source of world-class products and services across the healthcare, engineering, education, aerospace and digital sectors.”

Exports from Irish companies to Singapore are increasing and now many of these wish to push further into Asia.
Speaking prior to her departure for Singapore, Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland said, “This mission is one of over 40 international trade visits planned for this year as part of Enterprise Ireland’s effort to grow our total client exports to €26Bn by 2020. The Asia-Pacific region delivered double-digit growth with an impressive 16% year-on-year gain making it the second-fastest growing region for our clients in 2016. This trade mission, with 60 participating Enterprise Ireland clients, is designed to build on that growth and increase our clients global reach winning more lucrative export business in Japan and the ASEAN region. As Singapore is the gateway to the wider Asia-Pacific region, Enterprise Ireland is delighted to be expanding our resources in Singapore over the coming months to further support our clients’ business ambitions”.
 
Martin Shanahan, CEO IDA Ireland said “A critical strategic focus for IDA is its commitment to win more investment from the Asia – Pacific region.  IDA Ireland has significantly increased its team in this market in recent years and we are 16% ahead of target at the midpoint of our ‘Winning: Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019’ strategy in terms of investment wins from the Growth Markets region.”

IDA Ireland considers Ireland an excellent fit for companies in this region looking to locate part of their business in Europe.  As a committed member of the EU, Ireland has excellent mix of talent, track record and a pro-business environment to offer potential and existing client companies, across a number of sectors. 

We use these opportunities to meet with clients in their own headquarters where we can deepen existing relationships and hopefully attract new business to Ireland.”

During the trade mission, An Tánaiste will promote Ireland and its world-class companies during a series of high level business engagements, including an address to Keidanren, Japan’s largest business association with over 1,600 members, covering Ireland’s Economy, Trade & Investment, the Japan-Europe Economic Partnership Agreement and Brexit, and a networking event hosted by the Irish Ambassador to Singapore for the Irish Diaspora and wider Irish Community.

 

 

1. Australian State Visit with President Higgins

An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD to accompany President Michael D. Higgins on a State Visit to Australia in October.

As part of the State Visit to Australia by President Michael D. Higgins in October, which aims to strengthen the economic, tourism, cultural and political links between both nations, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD will accompany the President for a programme of activity in support of the work of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in Australia.  This will be the largest programme of activity that has been undertaken for this region.

Over 50 Enterprise Ireland client companies will participate on the trade and investment programme, spanning 9 sectors including, Digital Technologies, FinTech, Healthcare, Construction, Engineering and Consumer Products.

The programme will include IDA client companies and target investments from the following sectors: Software and IT Services, Business Services and Financial Services.

Announcing details of the Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland trade and investment programme to Australia, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD said “I am delighted to accompany President Michael D. Higgins on the State Visit to Australia and engage in an extensive programme of activity which focuses on supporting Irish companies to expand exports into this significant market. Building awareness internationally of the Irish capability in key sectors is critically important, particularly in light of Brexit. I am working closely with the agencies in my Department who have intensified their efforts on increasing the export market penetration and diversification of Irish companies into alternative markets, such as Australia. I look forward to engaging with key decision makers at the highest levels in Government and Industry to promote Ireland as a source of world-class products and services.”

Speaking ahead of the visit, Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said “The trade and investment programme, organised in the context of the President's State Visit to Australia is the largest that we have undertaken in the region to date and indicative of the opportunities that we see for innovative Irish companies in the Australian market. Expanding the Irish export footprint in markets beyond the UK is a key priority, in the context of the British exit from the European Union and the Asia Pac region delivered double-digit growth for Enterprise Ireland clients in 2016 with an impressive 16% year on year gain, making it the second fastest growing region for Enterprise Ireland backed companies in 2016. 

The trade programme associated with this Presidential State Visit involves over 50 Enterprise Ireland clients across a wide range of sectors such as Fintech, Digital Health, Telco and Talent Management solutions.  It builds on the strong foothold of Irish companies in the Australian market where Enterprise Ireland backed companies experienced 14% growth in exports in 2016 and ambitious targets have been set to double Irish exports to Australia by 2020.

The presence of President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins supports the trade and investment programme and underpins the work being undertaken by Enterprise Ireland and its client companies to lever off the excellent trade and economic relationships that exist between Ireland and Australia and to expand their reach in more diversified market portfolios.”

During the Presidential visit, many participating Enterprise Ireland client companies will announce partnerships and new business in the market.

President Michael D Higgins and the Tánaiste will meet with high level executives in a number of IDA's existing client companies and potential investors in Ireland. The visit will assist IDA Ireland in strengthening its relationships with key senior executives in these companies.

In addition, IDA Ireland will engage with target clients, key influencers, investors and business advisors at a number of business events to promote Ireland as the gateway to Europe for Australian companies.

Martin Shanahan, CEO IDA Ireland who will accompany the President and the Tánaiste said "We welcome the opportunity of the State visit to raise Ireland’s profile in Australia. Building geographical diversity into IDA Ireland's portfolio is a key goal of our ‘Winning: Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019’ strategy. Australia is one of the markets targeted to achieve this. IDA already has 23 client companies from Australia employing almost 1,000 people and we are seeing increasing interest from the Market.

Ireland is attractive to Australian companies due of the ease of doing business here, including our common law system and English language.  Australian companies also recognise the importance of our commitment to the European Union, which brings with it access to a market of 500 million people as well as international talent. Given Australia's distance from the European market,  Ireland's long track record of supporting and growing international companies and the management capability that comes with that are also attractive to Australian investment. This Trade and Investment mission will be an opportunity to meet with clients in their own headquarters where we can deepen existing relationships and hopefully attract new business to Ireland"

 

1. United Arab Emirates and Oman

12th-15th November 2017

‘An Tánaiste leads Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates and Oman’​

Bringing the Irish Advantage to the United Arab Emirates, Enterprise Ireland backed companies announce new deals at the Dubai AirShow with UAE partners

Dublin-based Aviation Textile company Boatany Weaving secures multi-million dollar deal with UAE airline​

With a focus on growing Irish exports to the United Arab Emirates to €2 billion by 2020, over 30 Enterprise Ireland clients representing sectors including aviation, technology and financial services are participating on the Enterprise Ireland trade and investment mission to the United Arab Emirates and Oman this week. Led by An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, the trade mission including the Dubai Air Show is focused on increasing Irish exports to the region by over 40% in 2020, from €1.4 billion in 2016.

The three-day trade mission, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat in Oman, will see 32 Enterprise Ireland clients, some of whom are Brexit exposed, participate in 11 Enterprise Ireland business events and over 200 pre-arranged meetings with potential buyers in the Arab States.

As part of the mission, eight Enterprise Ireland client companies including Dublin Aerospace, Botany Weaving, Aerospace Software Developments and the Atlantic Aviation Group are exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow, one of the biggest aviation trade shows in the world.

Among the new deals announced at the Dubai Airshow, Botany Weaving the Dublin based, world-leading manufacturer of aviation fabrics and carpets announced that it has secured a multi-million dollar deal with a UAE airline to supply interior textiles.

With a focus on growing Ireland’s position in the aviation industry worldwide, Enterprise Ireland will host a thought leaders aviation event at the Dubai Airshow with aviation leaders conncected to Ireland, including; Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free; Ray Gammell, Interim CEO and Chief People & Performance Officer, Etihad Airways; Paul Byrne, CEO, FlyNAS; Christoph Mueller, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, Emirates Airline; and Eugene Barry, Executive VP Commercial Group, Dubai Airports.

Commencing the trade mission, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD said, “The Irish aviation sector, contributing over €4 billion to GDP in 2016, is one of Ireland’s success stories. The Dubai Airshow is an important platform to showcase the very best of what Ireland offers to the aviation world and to engage with Irish aviation leaders who are shaping the aviation sector across this region.

“There has been a marked increase in Irish company exports to the UAE and Oman in recent years and the focus of my Department through our agencies, and trade missions is to support more companies particularly those who are Brexit exposed to achieve further market diversification and grow their international exports. Over the course of the trade mission, I look forward to engaging with key decision makers at the highest levels in Government and Industry to promote Ireland as a source of world-class products and services.”

Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland CEO said “In the context of Brexit, expanding the Irish export footprint in markets beyond the UK is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has set a target to grow exports to the United Arab Emirates to €2 billion in 2020, from €1.4 billion in 2016. Last year, 240 Enterprise Ireland-led companies across various sectors including fintech, ICT, engineering, life sciences, aerospace, education and premium foods exported to the UAE. The trade and investment mission to the UAE and Oman sets out to build on the strong foothold of Irish companies in these markets to achieve our export targets.”

 

1. New York Trade Mission - Enterprise Ireland

20th November 2017

Enterprise Ireland invests a record level in female-led companies in the agency's history

Enterprise Ireland today announced that the agency’s investment in female-led companies has reached a record level and is currently the highest level in the agency’s history. More than €5.5 million was approved for investment in female-led companies in 2016 and this level of investment will be higher again in 2017. The announcement was made by Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland CEO speaking in New York at the ‘Her Place at the Table’ business event, an Enterprise Ireland female leadership and entrepreneurship event, attended by An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD and 80 corporate female leaders and entrepreneurs.

The event was part of Enterprise Ireland’s trade and investment mission to the USA this week. Led by An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, the mission is focused on boosting the profile of Enterprise Ireland clients and the Irish Advantage they bring to US buyers, particularly across banking, construction and life sciences sectors.

Addressing the event, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD said“Ireland has made significant progress to empower women in entrepreneurship. Establishing the Enterprise Ireland Female Entrepreneurship Unit was central to this, achieving more gender balance in Irish entrepreneurship. I am proud to see this achievement and to see that Enterprise Ireland’s investment in female-led companies at €5.5 million in 2016, is at a record high. This strategic investment to support women to realise their full business potential is not only the right thing to do, but is also critical to Ireland’s economic prosperity.”

Delivering the keynote speech at the event, Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland CEO said “Enterprise Ireland approved investment of circa €5.5m in female led companies in 2016, the highest level in the history of the agency. We funded 63 women-led start-ups last year, and in 2017, we are pushing to increase our investment in female-led start-ups even further. Enterprise Ireland is deeply committed to female entrepreneurship and this is embedded in the agency’s 2020 strategy. We continue to work to reach the levels of female entrepreneurship achieved in the US, where women now make up 40 percent of new entrepreneurs — the highest percentage since 1996.”

The event also included a panel discussion with Cork-born Samantha Barry, an executive producer for social and emerging media for CNN; Aoife Ni Mhuiri, founder and CEO of the Kerry based connected health technology company Salaso Health and Maureen Mitchell, an Irish-American and Senior Advisor with Boston Consulting Group and former President at GE Asset Management. The panel discussion was moderated by RTÉ Washington Correspondent, Caitriona Perry. 

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