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State Aid

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 October 2019

Thursday, 3 October 2019

Questions (123)

Robert Troy

Question:

123. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will request, at European level, changes to State aid thresholds to protect enterprises, exporting companies and related jobs here from a hard Brexit WTO scenario in view of the fact that a no-deal Brexit remains a possibility and the UK may assume third country status. [40440/19]

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Written answers

While the nature of the UK's exit from the EU still remains to be resolved, Brexit continues to represent a significant challenge for businesses in Ireland. In response my Department and its agencies have put in place extensive supports, schemes and advisory resources to ensure that all business sectors around the country are prepared for Brexit and jobs are protected.

My Department has been working closely with the EU Commission and DG Competition since November 2017 through the Irish/EU Technical Working Group on State Aid. The Group comprises senior representatives from DG Comp, my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Enterprise Ireland.  Its objective has been to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. 

Through the mechanism of the Technical Working Group Ireland has fully utilised the provisions of the State aid framework to enable the investment by Enterprise Ireland of €74 million in 2018 in Brexit impacted businesses.  Options available through the Agriculture Guidelines are also being developed to support large food companies.

Earlier this year I met with Commissioner Vestager.  The focus of the meeting centred around the severe challenges that Irish businesses will face when the UK leaves the EU and the need for appropriate and timely State supports.   It was agreed that Irish officials will continue to work closely with the Commissioner's team in addressing any State aid issues that may arise to ensure a rapid and appropriate response as the ultimate shape of Brexit and its firm-level implication become known.  The Commissioner emphasised that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms.

Should further issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State aid rules, this will be raised as part of these Working Group discussions.

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