Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2017
45. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether her Department has been allocated enough extra spending to assist and support food and drink companies in 2017 to try and replace UK exports to the EU to compensate for the ramifications of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6318/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural areas in particular.
Enterprise Ireland works closely with Irish Food and Drink companies to support innovation and build scale and resilience in order for them to be positioned to compete on world markets.
I have secured additional funding for Enterprise Ireland to respond to Brexit and this includes additional staff with sectoral knowledge and expertise.
While Enterprise Ireland is the development agency for companies in the Food and Drink sector in Ireland, Bord Bia under the Department of Agriculture and Food is responsible for working with these companies to access overseas markets.
The UK remains a key market, however Enterprise Ireland is also working closely with Bord Bia to help Irish Food and Drink companies build on their international reputation for product excellence and also drive growth in other key markets such as the Eurozone, Canada, the US and Asia.
