Irish firms have secured €5.1 million in contracts during a trade mission to Australia.

Some 45 Irish technology firms participated in the mission, which is the first of a series planned for the next four months as Enterprise Ireland attempts to promote Irish exports in key high-potential markets.

The mission to Australia was focused on Irish software and services exports to Australia, with firms involved in IT and mobility, telecommunications, e-learning, financial services and e-health taking part.

Describing it as a “highly successful and constructive” mission, Minister of State with responsibility for small business John Perry said the firms had done deals in the financial services, healthcare and knowledge services sectors.

In 2010 Irish exports to Australia grew by €26 million.