Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department has redoubled its efforts to establish new markets inside and outside the European Union for Irish products in order to compensate for the consequences of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53492/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPromoting diversified export markets in light of the potential impacts of Brexit is a key priority for my Department and its agencies. It is imperative that Irish companies respond to the challenges Brexit will bring now, and do not wait until the Brexit negotiations are complete. This will include maximising opportunities to not only sustain and grow their exports to the UK, but also to diversify their export base to other markets.
Released on the 9th November, “Building Stronger Business – responding to Brexit by competing, innovating and trading” sets out the work under way, and planned, by my Department and its Agencies in response to Brexit, including supports available to companies to help them prepare for Brexit. It also describes our research programme designed to inform that response.
In terms of increasing Ireland’s Global Footprint, my Department has secured an additional €3 million in funding to enable the Department and its agencies recruit a further 40 to 50 staff worldwide (on top of 50 additional staff secured in Budget 2017). These additional resources will be focused on helping Irish exports grow their international sales, diversify their markets and secure new investments in Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland is working directly with clients most exposed to Brexit and continues to provide the necessary supports and expertise to help them navigate immediate challenges. It’s 2017-2020 ‘Build Scale, Expand Reach’ Strategy aims to increase the diversification of client exports into new markets, with two-thirds of exports going beyond the UK. The diversification strategy is focused on geographical markets, and on diversifying into new market segments.
In May 2017, Enterprise Ireland launched a new Eurozone Strategy to assist Irish exporters increase exports in Eurozone countries by 50%, from €4 billion to €6 billion by 2020. This will be accompanied by a new ‘Irish Advantage’ communications campaign which will target Eurozone buyers to buy Irish innovation in key Brexit impacted sectors such as med-tech and engineering.
In addition, enhanced programmes of minister-led trade missions and bilateral visits overseas will deepen existing trade and investment relationships and forge new linkages across a range of markets.
My Department will also continue to work to promote expansion of the EU’s portfolio of Free Trade Agreements to encourage market-deepening and expansion to new markets for Irish based enterprises.
