Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
583. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her attention has been drawn to the possibility of a global trade war; the extent to which the economy can be protected in such a situation, especially the Border region and counties Sligo and Leitrim, in the wake of trade complications with Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am well aware of the shifting and evolving global challenges which may affect trade and investment in the future. Understanding the needs of business in their drive to succeed is and will continue to be fundamental to Ireland’s economic success and especially in these times of global challenge.
No open economy like ours can be fully shielded against global impacts. I am confident however that we have the right policies to build resilience where possible and firmly strengthen our competitiveness and innovative capacity, thus ensuring the economy is properly positioned to meet any external challenges.
Promoting cross-border trade in light of the potential impacts of Brexit is a key priority for the Government as a whole. It is, of course, hard to predict at this stage what the impact of Brexit will be for all of Ireland, including the border counties. Much will depend on the nature of the deal that will be negotiated between the UK and the EU. These negotiations are likely to be complex and multifaceted. This Government will seek, during that process, to highlight our unique economic ties with Northern Ireland.
It is clear that the cross-border market on the island is a particularly important one for SMEs, with nearly two thirds of Northern Ireland small firm exports going South and one sixth of Ireland’s small firm exports going North. Inter Trade Ireland has undertaken a series of events for SMEs to raise awareness of Brexit issues, with more planned. They have published information material for their companies setting out key challenges posed by Brexit. Further initiatives by Inter Trade Ireland on this issue are also being developed for roll out later this year.
I am engaged strongly with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to ensure that Irish jobs are maintained and created with a particular focus on regional targets. Enterprise Ireland is working with its 1,500 clients who export to the UK, looking at the individual challenges faced by companies in every county in Ireland and also on a sectoral level, as some sectors are more exposed than others. Enterprise Ireland also consistently works with client companies focussing on enhancing their competitiveness, capability and levels of innovation to assist them to diversify into new markets.
I am in constant communication with these agencies, and chair a Brexit Coordination Group, which includes the senior management of my Department and the CEOs of the agencies. As part of the Government’s ongoing dialogue with interested parties, I organised an important stakeholder engagement event on the 30th of January, in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim to hear the views of stakeholders, both directly and through representative bodies.
The Government has just published a new Trade Strategy, Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World which supports an extensive programme of Ministerial-led trade missions, as part of a major drive towards market diversification - promoting diversified export markets in light of the potential impacts of Brexit is a key priority for my Department. This includes markets that are growing and have scale as well as markets where we are already well established but with potential for further growth. The programme of trade missions and trade events for 2017 includes a substantive focus on the EU and third country markets. In 2017 we have 42 Minister led trade missions to existing and emerging markets. These have been reorientated to reflect an increased focus on EU markets.
The EU’s suite of Free Trade Agreements with third Countries helps to open new markets, break down barriers and provide new opportunities for Irish firms. These existing EU Agreements and new trade deals will continue to be important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth.
