The Government is conscious of the need to consider the types of supports that Irish businesses may require to address business adversity arising as a result of Brexit Referendum. This is likely to represent a structural shift in the UK trading relations and short, medium and long term responses from market diversification through to price repositioning will be needed.
My Department is engaged in a structured dialogue with industry designed to construct an evidence base on which appropriate, tailored and targeted responses can be delivered. Work on this is well advanced.
Last autumn, officials of my Department initiated discussions with DG Competition to sensitise the Commission to potential difficulties likely to be encountered by Irish firms from the Brexit referendum result. These discussions will continue at the highest levels to address all relevant issues relating to any proposals emerging from our work with industry.
The outcome of the structured engagement with industry, along with market developments, will continue to inform further discussions. All appropriate options, both within existing State Aid rules and, if necessary, requiring notification for permission to grant exceptional aid, will be pursued with the relevant EU authorities.
Since the Brexit Referendum, I have attended two meetings of the Competitiveness Council. State Aid rules did not feature on the agenda. However, in my engagements with both EU Commissioners and Ministers from other Member States since the UK decision, Brexit has been a central part of the discussions at these meetings.
