Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with business representatives in Northern Ireland in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol. [43734/21]
View answerThe last year and a half has brought about unprecedented challenges for businesses on our island. Not only has the pandemic had a disruptive impact, but the uncertainty around the cross-border trading environment has caused difficulties for companies that operate on both sides of the border.
The challenges that surround Northern Ireland’s unique position also come with significant opportunities, however. While there is some unease around the Protocol, I believe it presents a unique economic opportunity for businesses and trade on our shared island.
Earlier this month I had the opportunity to travel to Northern Ireland to meet with business representatives there. The meeting allowed a wide-ranging discussion of current economic issues and the priorities of businesses across the island, reflecting the priority the Irish Government attaches to supporting and developing the all-island economy.
I also visited the InterTradeIreland offices in Newry and experienced first-hand the hard work and commitment of its staff. ITI is working to grow trade across the border and to support businesses in dealing with the joint impacts of Brexit and the pandemic. The body has seen a significant increase in demand for its services in recent years and its continued success underscores not just ITI’s value, but also the value of both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland working together.
I was pleased to have had the opportunity to open the Shared Island Dialogue event on the all-island economy on 2 June this year. The Dialogue explored opportunities to enhance the economy on the island in a post-Covid environment, with a focus on young entrepreneurs, innovation and social enterprise. It featured a wide-range of participants, including entrepreneurs from both North and South that shared their perspectives of operating their businesses cross-border.
The Dialogue was part of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative, which seeks to examine political, social, economic and cultural considerations for a shared future in which all traditions are mutually respected. Central to this is the Shared Island Fund, where the Government has committed €500m in capital funding between now and 2025, ring-fenced for investment in North/South projects.
We will continue to work with InterTradeIreland, the Shared Island unit and colleagues in the Northern Ireland administration to make the most of these unique opportunities that cross border cooperation presents.
