Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
516. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the Brexit start planning vouchers to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1212/19]
View answerMy Department and its agencies and bodies are providing a range of supports to help companies to prepare for Brexit.
The “Start to Plan” voucher scheme is offered by InterTradeIreland (ITI) as part of its Brexit Advisory Service. ITI works with SMEs on an all-Ireland basis and is particularly well-placed, given its remit to develop cross-border trade, to help SMEs prepare for the North-South challenges associated with Brexit.
The “Start to Plan” vouchers, valued at €2250, enable companies to access professional advice on specific areas such as tariffs, currency management, regulatory and customs issues and movement of labour, goods and services. There has been strong demand for the voucher scheme, with over 650 vouchers approved to date.
ITI is planning to expand its range of Brexit supports in 2019. The proposed initiatives will include a ‘‘Start to Act’ voucher, valued at €5,000, which will assist companies to implement recommendations and advice received through the initial voucher scheme. The Brexit Advisory Service will also increase its digital learning delivery, making content available in an online training environment that can be conveniently accessed by SMEs.
To support this important work, my Department is providing an additional €1 million in capital funding to ITI in 2019. This funding will enable the body to engage with more of the companies that are seeking its support through the Brexit Advisory Service, as well as meeting demand for existing programmes which are all designed to promote and support cross-border trade.
