Since the Brexit Referendum, I have attended three meetings of the Competitiveness Council. While State Aid did not feature on the agenda, in my engagements with both EU Commissioners and Ministers from other Member States since the UK decision, Brexit has been a central part of the discussions at these meetings.
As the Deputy is aware, there is a lot that can be done within the existing State Aid Framework and my Department is taking all necessary steps to ensure that we are in a position to support companies in ways that are compatible with the State aid framework as and when they need that support. Last autumn, officials of my Department initiated discussions with DG Competition to sensitise the Commission to potential difficulties likely to be encountered by Irish firms from the Brexit referendum result. These discussions continue at the highest levels to address all relevant issues relating to any proposals emerging from our work in developing targeted supports for businesses impacted by Brexit.
On foot of extensive engagement with industry, my department is working with the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Enterprise Ireland and the SBCI to develop appropriate, tailored and targeted responses to mitigate the economic impacts of Brexit on businesses. This work, along with market developments as a result of Brexit, and ongoing engagement with the business community, will inform further discussions with the Commission and the development of any further initiatives to business.
