Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2017
92. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to minimise the impact of Brexit in County Donegal; the engagement she has had with Enterprise Ireland to ensure it secures new investment in County Donegal in view of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22854/17]
View answerI am deeply engaged with all my Department’s agencies to ensure sufficient supports are in place to safeguard Irish jobs and exports in response to both the short term and long term impact of Brexit. Enterprise Ireland (EI), the Local Enterprise Offices, InterTrade Ireland and IDA Ireland have clear plans in place to mitigate challenges and maximise opportunities arising.
In Budget 2017, I secured additional monies, both current and capital, for additional staff in the Agencies, an increased number of trade missions to drive exports, and intensified supports to help enterprise prepare for the immediate future.
While the UK will continue to be one of our largest export markets, there is now a strategic imperative for Irish companies to seek new opportunities. Yesterday, the Taoiseach and I launched EI’s Eurozone Strategy, which sets out our strategic ambition to diversify into European markets.
In March, Enterprise Ireland’s #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign was launched featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’. This is a new interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars.
To further support the regions, I am currently finalising plans for a Competitive Regional Funding Initiative of up to €60m to support collaborative approaches to grow and sustain indigenous enterprise and jobs across the economy.
