Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2018
176. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has investigated the use of Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union as a mechanism to provide enhanced supports to businesses in response to Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6548/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraExtensive work has been ongoing in my Department to prepare for all Brexit eventualities. This includes both research and the development of specific supports. Officials of my Department have had discussions with senior officials from DG Competition on the potential and the real difficulties encountered by Irish businesses as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. In November 2017, the then Tánaiste met with Commissioner Vestager and the issue of State aid was discussed. An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from DG Comp, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and Department of Agriculture. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this can and will be raised as part of the Working Group discussions, and nothing has been ruled out.
The work of this Group has already commenced and it is due to have its third meeting in February 2018. In between these meetings, there has been engagement on specific issues to continue to progress matters. The work of the group will be informed by market developments as a result of Brexit and ongoing engagement with the business community.
A Rescue and Restructuring (R and R) Scheme was approved by the Commission in late November 2017. This scheme has been put in place as it was considered prudent to have contingency measures in place so that we can respond swiftly to changing circumstances if necessary.
I will be maintaining a strong focus on the SME sector and will consider the development of further initiatives to support business as required.
