Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
586. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the companies supported by InterTradeIreland in 2018; the number of jobs supported by InterTradeIreland in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19363/19]
View answerThis year marks 20 years since InterTradeIreland (ITI) was founded. In that period, over 39,000 SMEs have benefitted from their programmes, support and assistance, resulting in 14,800 new jobs being created or protected. This has generated a business development value of over €1.2 billion and has made a major contribution to the enhancement of economic cooperation across the island.
While ITI's mandate does not have a specific focus on job creation, the body has nonetheless had a significant role in supporting and fostering employment. In 2018, 3,054 companies engaged in North South business through the body's trade and innovation activities & services. This had a total jobs impact of 2,043, which represents both new jobs created and the protection of existing positions as a direct result of company participation on an ITI programme.
