Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2023
44. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the trade information service is expected to be launched; the funding allocated to same under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9107/23]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provides joint funding, alongside the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, for InterTradeIreland (ITI), the North-South implementation body responsible for the promotion of trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis.
My Department's budget allocation for ITI in 2023 was €11.586 million, of which €8.9 million is dedicated to capital funding to allow ITI to operate its supports.
ITI uses this funding from both Departments to operate a wide range of supports to help promote trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis. ITI is responsible for managing its individual programmes and utilising its overall budget allocation towards its supports.
ITI is currently developing its Trade Information Service (TIS), which will provide free independent and impartial advice and support to businesses to help them trade effectively across the border. The service was formerly known as the Brexit Advisory Service and is transitioning into TIS with a soft launch expected in June 2023.
The TIS will support businesses in both jurisdictions to continue to trade under the terms of the Protocol, and supports include online information/knowledge, access to subject matter expertise and consultancy vouchers in many areas, including Legal and Regulatory issues/requirements, Customs, VAT and associated areas, and People, Employment and Training. ITI's funding for the scheme in 2023 is €426k.
