Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin has raised a number of trade concerns in meetings with Canadian government ministers.

The Minister met two counterparts from the recently elected minority Conservative government - international trade minister David Emerson and industry minister Maxime Bernier - during the four-day Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Canada.

"There are three issues we'll be raising," the Minister said ahead of the meeting, referring to three particular concerns.

One relates to production in Ontario and Alberta of a product called Céilí Irish Cream.

The Minister said that, under a 2003 wines and spirits accord between Canada and the European Union, geographic indicators are protected in each jurisdiction. That precludes a Canadian company labelling a product as Irish.

"We are concerned about this and will be raising it with Mr Emerson as it is a breach of international agreements. It has previously been raised by EU officials with Canadian authorities but there has been little progress, with the Canadians suggesting it be pursued through the courts.

"We think it shouldn't necessarily go to that. Our clear view is that the Canadian consumer has been misled on this," Mr Martin said.

"We can't continue to have faith in agreements if they are not acted upon."