Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
363. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of contracts awarded to companies and businesses in Northern Ireland; the post-Brexit implications for those companies that have contracts under EU law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36114/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Government Procurement (OGP) can access the information sought by the Deputy for EU threshold contracts awarded to companies in Northern Ireland which was entered on the National eTenders system in respect of 2015. However, this information is not readily available so the OGP will reply directly to the Deputy on the matter.
In relation to implications post-Brexit for those companies that have contracts under EU law, it is not possible at this point to anticipate the potential effects of the UK withdrawal from the EU. Negotiations cannot commence until Article 50 has been triggered and the process for withdrawal will take place over at least two years and possibly longer. For the moment, the UK remains a full member of the EU with all the rights and obligations of a Member State, and businesses can continue to trade as normal. The Government will be working with our EU partners and with the UK with the aim of ensuring a strong EU-UK relationship and a well-managed withdrawal.
