Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2017
24. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the contingencies and supports in place to safeguard businesses and exports from a hard Brexit scenario; her views on current EU State aid rules to protect enterprises and related jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30222/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its agencies are fully engaged in supporting companies to prepare for Brexit. Enterprise Ireland’s (EI) #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ was launched in March. The Scorecard is an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit.
EI has introduced a ‘Be Prepared Grant’ which offers up to €5,000 for exporting client companies to conduct further research and use external expertise to develop a Brexit Action Plan. Enterprise Ireland also launched its Eurozone Strategy which aims to increase exports to the Eurozone by 50% by 2020.
The Local Enterprise Offices and Inter Trade Ireland are offering a range of Brexit focused supports to companies, including those engaged in cross-border trade with Northern Ireland.
Based on significant analysis and stakeholder consultation my Department is currently working on further measures targeted at identified needs of companies around working capital and business development.
These measures are being considered in the context of existing State Aid rules.
As the situation evolves, and we get a better idea of impacts on enterprise in a post Brexit landscape, we will almost certainly need to have further discussions with the Commission in order to ensure that we take sufficient measures in good time to provide support to our most impacted companies and sectors.
