Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2023
45. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the supply chain programme 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. [9108/23]
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.
The Department's budget allocation for ITI in 2023 is €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 currently deliver a number of supports to help businesses benchmark the resilience of their supply chain and to increase opportunities presented by regional procurement. A new initiative is currently being considered for development at a budget of c.€200k to help and to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of regional value chains across Ireland and Northern Ireland, concentrating on the food and engineering sectors. ITI is currently consulting with sector bodies regarding the design of the new supports and a launch date is still to be confirmed.
