Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
1413. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated number of firms and full time equivalent jobs which will relocate to the United Kingdom as a result of a hard Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19886/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK’s decision to leave the EU is regrettable and it will undoubtedly present challenges for Ireland because of the significant amount of trade between our two countries.
Our strategies are designed to keep companies and jobs in Ireland and we are fully focused on this objective.
I am deeply engaged with my Department’s agencies - Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland as well as through the Local Enterprise Offices - to ensure sufficient supports are in place to safeguard Irish jobs and exports in response to both the short term and long term impact of Brexit.
I have also met frequently with representatives of companies, business organisations and other stakeholders throughout the country in recent months to hear about their challenges and concerns arising from BREXIT and its possible consequences.
In terms of companies preparing themselves for Brexit, I would like to draw attention to Enterprise Ireland’s #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ on www.prepareforbrexit.ie. The Scorecard is a new interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies, whether they are EI clients or not, to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. The Scorecard generates an immediate report which provides advice as well as information on supports and resources to Irish businesses preparing for Brexit.
In terms of supports available to companies, EI’s provision of management capability, leadership, marketing/sales skills, innovation and R&D supports is being intensified to help clients to build market share and create new market opportunities.
Enterprise Ireland also has a suite of supports that help clients reduce supply-chain costs and drive efficiencies and cost reductions as a means of improving operating margins, thereby increasing competitiveness.
Through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) a range of measures is being put in place to supplement existing supports, including:
- Supports to facilitate micro enterprises to develop new internationalisation opportunities;
- Roll out of a national “Lean for Micro” initiative to drive firm level competitiveness;
- Brexit-focused mentoring and training; and
- Local level awareness raising and information sharing about Brexit, including; seminars, workshops and cross-border business networking.
