Brexit Issues

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Questions (285)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

285. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to the UK Government's decision to defer the House of Commons vote on the European Commission's draft withdrawal agreement with the UK and the President of the European Council's confirmation that preparedness for a no-deal scenario is being discussed, if she will request via the working group established with Directorate-General for Competition for changes to be made to state aid thresholds at EU level in order to protect Irish enterprises, exporting companies and related jobs from a hard no-deal Brexit WTO scenario; and if not, the reason therefore. [53661/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The Government remains focused on ensuring an orderly UK withdrawal through ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement endorsed by the European Council on 25 November and agreed with the British Government.

However, it is only prudent for the Government to prepare for all scenarios.

Officials from my Department are part of the Technical Working Group on State aid which also comprises representatives from DG Competition, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules.

Should Brexit related issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Technical Working Group discussions.