Written Answers Nos. 79-99
79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which she continues to monitor business openings and opportunities arising from Brexit with a view to maximisation of employment here post Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I am fully focused on ensuring that we are in a position to make the most of any potential Brexit-related opportunities. I am also fully confident that my Department and the enterprise agencies under my remit are doing everything they can to capitalise on any opportunities that Brexit presents.
In Budget 2018 a further additional €3m in pay funding was provided to the enterprise agencies to support recruitment and assist in their response to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. That additional €3 million will support the recruitment of 40-50 staff across the Department and its Agencies to meet the Brexit challenge. This brings the number of new Brexit related staff posts to around 100 in the last two years and demonstrates the Department’s determination to ensure that it, together with its Offices and Agencies, are sufficiently resourced to meet the Brexit challenge.
As per its Brexit-strategy, IDA Ireland has continued to engage with its clients - supported by a targeted marketing campaign - to highlight Ireland’s advantages in a post-Brexit context. The reasons why companies invest in Ireland are well-known: the availability of talent, the ease of doing business, a competitive and transparent taxation regime, positive demographics, a common law system and, critically, Ireland’s continued access to EU markets. This approach has worked well as IDA Ireland has secured a substantial number of Brexit-related investments in 2017 and 2018.
The IDA’s mid-year results for 2018 clearly indicate that we can continue to rely on the selling points that make investing in Ireland so attractive in the first place. In fact, the Agency has indicated that in excess of 40 companies across the Financial Services, Life Sciences, Technology and Engineering sectors have chosen Ireland as a result of Brexit. I can state with certainty that as Brexit negotiations intensify in the time ahead, IDA Ireland will be continuing its efforts to attract mobile investment by highlighting Ireland’s suitability as a location for international business and by constantly engaging with clients across its entire portfolio.
In addition, IDA Ireland continues to work on ensuring that the Agency’s strategy is fit for purpose in light of Brexit. In 2018, the agency has reorganised its European footprint, with the United Kingdom now being treated as a separate territory from the rest of Europe and continental European business being managed from the Frankfurt office.
Enterprise Ireland also provides a range of supports that exist to help companies plan for both the opportunities and risks that Brexit poses. While the outcome of the Brexit negotiations remains uncertain, Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting Irish companies to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit and to take the necessary steps to ensure they are more innovative, competitive and market diversified to tackle the challenges ahead.
Budget 2018 also contained some important pro-business measures to help companies compete in the face of ‘Brexit’ including the €300m Brexit Loan Scheme which will provide affordable financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or will be in the future. It will be open to all trading SMEs and large firms employing less than 500 people.
80. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on an industrial dispute (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the dispute at the company referred to by the deputy relates to certain terms and conditions of employment, including that of pay and contractual security which the trade union Mandate is seeking to negotiate on behalf of its members.
At the outset, I must emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. These bodies are independent in the delivery of their quasi-judicial functions, in which I as Minister have no role. This approach has served Ireland well over the years and in a large number of high profile disputes.
This particular dispute was the subject of a Labour Court recommendation last April which urged the parties to engage with each other in order to seek agreement in relation to the matters at issue. Furthermore, the Court recommended that if, following such engagement, matters remained unresolved, the parties should avail of the services of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Court in furthering efforts to secure resolution. In line with the voluntary nature of industrial relations in Ireland, recommendations of the Labour Court made under industrial relations legislation are not binding on the parties.
I understand it is the company's position that it does not recognise trade unions but has in place an internal mechanism for employee engagement. Under Irish law there is no obligation on employers to recognise trade unions. However, successive Governments have committed to the concept of collective bargaining and to this end, legislation was introduced in 2015 in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 to strengthen the ability of workers to collectively engage with employers.
The 2015 legislation allows for application to be made to the Labour Court to examine the issue of independence of internal employee engagement mechanisms in instances where it is contested that such mechanism is not genuinely independent of the employer. If the Court finds that the mechanism is not independent it can then proceed to hear the dispute at issue.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasise the need for workers and employers to make every effort to reach a resolution in this dispute which presents a significant inconvenience for members of the public. The dispute handling mechanisms of the State are of course willing, where possible, to assist the parties in coming to a resolution. This will ensure a positive outcome for the employees, the company and the customers of the company.
81. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the support available to female entrepreneurs to start and scale up small and medium businesses; the details and available funding under the competitive start fund for female entrepreneurs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30457/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key focus of the Government's enterprise strategy, as set out in Enterprise 2025 Renewed, which I published earlier this year, is to ensure we continue to enhance the business environment so that it is conducive to entrepreneurship, start-up and growth of Irish-own enterprises across all strands of the economy and society.
The most recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor showed that Ireland’s rate of entrepreneurship among women is the 7th highest in Europe. However, men are still twice as likely to be entrepreneurs as women in Ireland.
Female founders have traditionally been underrepresented in start-ups, and that is why my Department and its agencies have a range of initiatives aimed at supporting women to start and scale businesses that provide quality jobs throughout the country.
Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting cohorts of ambitious, capable founders, and placing them on faster growth trajectories. Research undertaken by Enterprise Ireland in 2012 found that there were a number of key inhibitors to female entrepreneurship rates, and it developed an integrated strategy to address these issues and increase the number of female-founded start-ups in Ireland.
One of the key ways in which Enterprise Ireland supports female entrepreneurship is through its dedicated Competitive Start Funds. The first Competitive Start Fund for Female Entrepreneurs was launched in 2012, and since then there have been 8 dedicated female competitive start funds.
The most recent Competitive Start Fund for female entrepreneurs, which I launched earlier this year, made a total of €1m funding available for up to 20 female-led companies.
The demand is there. Enterprise Ireland received over 100 funding applications for this Fund, and the final selection for funding is currently taking place.
In 2017, 46 per cent of all companies who received CSF investment from Enterprise Ireland were female founded.
Every year Enterprise Ireland holds a Fuelling Ambition Roadshow, which aims to encourage, support and drive the ambition of female entrepreneurs (existing and new). A total of 7 roadshow events were held in 2018, attended by c600 female entrepreneurs, across the country.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are also actively engaged in encouraging and inspiring an increase in female-led businesses through initiatives such as the annual National Women’s Enterprise Day and the Women in Business Networks. In addition, 61% of participants attending LEO training programmes in 2017 were female with 46% of the LEO mentoring participants female.
Another key Enterprise Ireland supported initiative is the 'Going for Growth' programme. Currently in its 10th cycle, the initiative supports female entrepreneurs who have been trading for at least two years and are strongly focused on growth. Feedback shows that participants’ businesses experienced a growth in sales over the 9th cycle of over €20million and employment rose by 17.5%.
We are making progress and I feel confident that we can achieve further increases in the future.
82. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has reported on the operation of the household waste collection market; if this report has been published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 4 July 2017, a motion was passed by Dáil Éireann which called on the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to ask the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to report on the operation of the household waste collection market.
Following a formal request on 25 September from the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the then Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in accordance with section 10(4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014, requested the CCPC to carry out a study on the operation of the household waste collection market.
The study will assess the nature and scale of consumer and operator issues in the household waste collection market and consider if the introduction of an enhanced regulatory regime could efficiently address these issues, in the short and long term. It will include the following elements:
1. Research on Current Issues in the Waste Sector;
2. An Economic Assessment of the Household Waste Collection Market;
3. An Overview of Waste Collection in Other Countries; and
4. Recommendations
To date, I am informed that the CCPC has carried out an extensive series of interviews and meetings with over 20 relevant stakeholders in the waste market including the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and other entities with a policy or a regulatory role (at national or regional level), academics, representative groups and individual household waste collection operators.
In addition, it has also conducted desk based research, issued a request for information from over 40 domestic operators, commissioned consumer research and an external econometric analysis, and engaged with other national competition agencies on how waste markets operate in their jurisdictions. The CCPC has also undertaken a public consultation to collect information on the household waste collection market and to gather the views of stakeholders in a formal capacity.
I understand this exercise is still underway and it is anticipated that the report will be finalised over the summer months. The issue of publication will be considered at that stage.
83. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the introduction of legislation to enhance the powers of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board in view of the recommendation in the cost of motor insurance report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30634/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 27th June 2017, the Government gave approval to the drafting of the Personal Injuries Board (PIAB) (Amendment) Bill along the lines of the General Scheme. The purpose of the Bill is to amend the existing legislation to strengthen PIAB in terms of operational issues to ensure greater compliance with the PIAB process and encourage more claims to be settled through the PIAB model.
The Board facilitates objective, fair and transparent assessments of damages in personal injury cases at a low delivery cost and in timely non-adversarial manner that is a far shorter timeframe than possible through litigation which often takes several years.
According to PIAB data 33,114 new personal injury claims were submitted to PIAB in 2017. PIAB processing costs were 6.2% of awards – this is a fraction of the possible costs claims being handled required litigation. The average time to assess a personal injury claim was 7.3 months compared to several years if litigation is involved.
The average PIAB award in 2017 was €24,879. Award values vary depending on the nature and severity of cases received. This demonstrates that the PIAB model continues to deliver major benefits, by providing a low-cost, quick and fair option in injury compensation.
The General Scheme addresses issues highlighted in submissions made to the public consultation held in 2014, by the then Minister, on the operation of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Acts 2003 and 2007. Issues highlighted by the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance published in January 2017 and the Report of the Rising Costs of Motor Insurance published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach are also addressed.
This is a technical and complex piece of legislation and it required careful consideration during drafting in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
Drafting of the Bill has been finalised by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and I will shortly seek Government approval for publication of the Bill.
The PIAB model is a positive one for society as a whole as it delivers compensation more quickly, with lower costs. Therefore, encouraging more claimants to finalise their cases through the PIAB model rather than resorting to litigation should lead to cost savings in the claims environment that will benefit consumers and businesses.
84. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the economic nationalism now being practised in the United States of America; and the actions being taken to counteract this policy. [26560/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn support of economic progress and good jobs for our people, Ireland has embraced free trade and is one of the world’s most open, export-based economies, which depends on open access to international markets for sustainable and continued economic growth. This has been an approach shared by many like-minded countries and one which has enabled the EU reach a series of Free Trade Agreements with partners across the globe to the betterment of the living standards of our citizens.
I am, as is the Irish Government, and our EU partners, disappointed with the current direction of US trade policy, whereby the pursuit of bilateral negotiations has supplanted longstanding commitments to multilateralism which in turn is causing turbulence in the global markets and adding to uncertainty for industry.
The EU Commission, which leads on Trade Policy for the Member States under the Treaties, and working in full consultation with the Member States, has been preparing over the last few months a measured, proportionate, and WTO-compliant response to specific US actions, as well as maintaining dialogue on issues of legitimate concern to both the EU and US. In this regard, the EU is pursuing a specific line of action in relation to the steel and aluminium tariffs imposed by the US. EU Leaders have also endorsed a positive agenda for dialogue on trade issues with the US once the steel and aluminium tariffs are lifted insofar as the Union is concerned. The EU and its Member States are also working with other like-minded countries - such as Japan, Canada and Mexico - to develop an agreed approach to issues of concern. We continue, of course, to keep open the lines of communication with the US Administration and other key "influencers".
The US has sought to use the threat of tariffs as leverage to obtain trade concessions from the EU and the EU response signifies EU strength and unity by responding, appropriately and proportionately, in the face of such unilateral, non-WTO-compliant, actions. At national level, we continue to monitor potential impacts of the trade measures being taken by the US, as well as those being contemplated. We remain alive to the fact that while certain actions may have limited impact at a macro level, this could possibly mask individual firm level impacts. To this end, my Department and its agencies are keeping the situation under review. Indeed, I convened a meeting of my Enterprise Forum on Brexit and Global Challenges last week to discuss our strategy and hear, first hand, from a variety of representative bodies, their issues and concerns.
85. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps IDA Ireland is taking to increase job creation in counties Longford and Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30276/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its agencies are working towards ambitious targets to ensure that employment and investment are distributed as evenly as possible across the country. This includes Counties Westmeath and Longford, which the IDA markets as part of the Midlands region.
There are 34 multinational companies based in the Midlands, employing 4,327 people. In Longford and Westmeath there are a total of 3,268 people employed in 22 foreign direct investment (FDI) companies.
I am pleased that there have been a number of recent high profile investments announced by overseas companies in the Midlands region. Earlier this year, Indian-owned Leetha Industries announced that it is to establish a manufacturing and supply operation called Red Seal Cups Ltd. in Ireland. This will create over 100 jobs in Longford over the next three years. The Avery Dennison Corporation is also planning a significant expansion of its Finesse Medical manufacturing facility in the County. Announcements like these are a great vote of confidence in what the Midlands has to offer for FDI clients. The IDA actively engages with its existing client base to support them in growing their business to retain jobs and expand their existing footprint in the region.
The IDA is involved in a number of initiatives to attract additional FDI to Westmeath and Longford, including a focused digital marketing campaign. This is designed to market the Midlands Region to potential investors by showcasing locations such as Westmeath and Longford. The Agency also maintains regular engagement with the Chief Executives of Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly County Councils to attract further investment to the region.
FDI, of course, represents only one part of our wider efforts to generate economic growth in regional locations. Indigenous enterprise also plays a crucial role in creating employment opportunities. Enterprise Ireland (EI) supports companies in every county of Ireland to start and scale, innovate and remain competitive on international markets.
I am pleased to say that total employment in EI supported companies in Co. Westmeath now stands at 3,741, an increase of 30% since 2012. Total employment in EI supported companies in Co. Longford now stands at 2,970, an increase of 43.5% since 2012. These numbers clearly reflect the valuable contribution of EI client companies to our economy, particularly from a regional perspective.
We have made progress in creating opportunities in Longford and Westmeath but we are determined to achieve more. We are working hard, across Government, to further unlock the economic potential of the region. The Enterprise Agencies remain pivotal to this and they continue to engage with their clients, and with one another, to create jobs and source new investment for the Midlands region.
86. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the Mercosur trade agreement will come before Dáil Éireann for ratification. [23725/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Common Commercial Policy is an exclusive competence of the European Union under the EU Treaties. Accordingly, the European Commission acts as lead negotiator on behalf of all EU countries regarding trade agreements with non-EU countries. Member States, in Council, approve negotiating directives before negotiations begin, are kept informed of developments as the negotiations proceed and have final approval at Council.
The EU is currently negotiating a trade agreement with the four founding members of Mercosur - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. If concluded, an EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement would be the EU’s largest trade deal to date, four times the size of the trade agreement with Japan. These negotiations are potentially at a crucial stage with the next formal round taking place over the 9th to the 13th July in Brussels. Were a deal to be concluded between the EU and Mercosur, the relevant text would proceed to so-called “legal scrubbing”, and translation, a process which can take between several months and up to two years to complete.
Insofar as ratification is concerned, some EU trade agreements are 'EU-only' meaning that all the policy areas they cover fall under the sole responsibility of the EU institutions. Other agreements may be presented as 'mixed' where they have areas of shared responsibility between the EU and Member States. Ratification requirements differ between the two categories. Only at the conclusion of negotiations and when the Commission presents an Agreement to Council can an agreement be determined definitely as being 'EU-only' or ‘mixed’. The ratification process regarding individual trade agreements must be taken on a case-by-case basis depending on the issues comprehended in the final agreement. Where appropriate, my Department seeks legal advice on the appropriate ratification process to follow in each case.
Mixed agreements enter into force only once each individual EU Member State has approved it in line with its own national procedures. As this process may take several years, the Council can decide to provisionally apply an agreement ('provisional application'). Provisional Application generally applies to those parts of the agreement over which the EU has exclusive competence. Provisional Application requires the agreement by Council and ratification by the European Parliament.
For any EU/Mercosur Free Trade Agreement, I am not in a position to be definitive about the ratification process that will apply, nor any timeframes, until any Agreement is finalised and its scope and terms have been examined.
87. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if an analysis on a regional basis has been undertaken of the sectors that will be most adversely impacted by Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30641/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra“Building Stronger Business” published late last year sets out the work underway in my Department to prepare for Brexit and highlights the challenges which Brexit will create in the regions.
My Department has undertaken a wide range of studies into the possible impacts of Brexit and a number of these have highlighted the potential regional effects associated with the UK’s departure from the EU.
The Copenhagen Economics study “Ireland and the Impact of Brexit: Strategic Implications for Ireland Arising from Changing EU-UK Trading Relations” published earlier this year identified the most vulnerable sectors in respect of Brexit .
The study found that 5 sectors account for 90% of the possible economic impact. They are agrifood, pharma-chemicals, engineering and machinery, wholesale and retail and air transport. Around 80% of the employment in these sectors is outside the Dublin region. As noted in the study, Brexit will therefore be felt more in rural parts of the country where these sectors dominate, particularly agrifood.
My Department also funded the InterTradeIreland/ ESR study Implications of Brexit for Trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The report assesses the particular impacts that the UK’s withdrawal from the EU could have on North-South trade in goods and models how the impact of Brexit could be especially acute in the border region.
Furthermore, my Department jointly with Deloitte, undertook a detailed engagement with 170 regionally-dispersed firms as part of our analysis into “Firm-Level Impacts of Brexit on Most Exposed Sectors”. The study found that firms are likely to be affected differently both across different sectors and within individual sectors. Therefore, the report concludes that firm-level responses are likely to be the most effective means of preparing businesses for Brexit.
The Regional Action Plans for Jobs are central to my Department’s targeted approach to boosting regional employment. While progress has been very good, it is clear that we also have new challenges since the Regional Action Plan for Jobs process started, not least Brexit. In this context I have asked the Implementation Committees in each region to lead a process to Refresh and Refocus their Plans to 2020 which will focus on building each region’s own competitive advantage, develop areas that are already strong, examine vulnerabilities and take account of the challenges which Brexit presents.
To support the ambition, goals and implementation of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs, the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, worth €60 million, was launched in May 2017. The objective of the Fund is to support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects to strengthen regional enterprise development potential.
88. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of regional IDA Ireland site visits in addition to vacant IDA Ireland properties nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30636/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is working to ensure the best possible distribution of foreign direct investment (FDI) across the country. Last year, IDA Ireland delivered 99 regional investments with 45% of new jobs created outside Dublin. The last three years has seen 30,000 new FDI jobs created outside Dublin.
The availability of marketable serviced land and buildings in advance of demand is a key element in the IDA's ability to compete for mobile FDI. Not only does such a supply of properties help the Agency to secure job-rich investment but it also allows projects to begin at an earlier date by diminishing many difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction. It is therefore an important means by which the IDA can encourage and attract new investors to Ireland, particularly to the regions.
I understand that IDA Ireland owns 30 properties across the country. Of these, 13 are currently occupied by IDA clients with a further 17 properties available for prospective or existing investors.
As regards site visits, they remain an important tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas and the IDA always does its utmost to ensure that overseas firms consider all potential locations when visiting Ireland. This is in line with the priority that has been placed on investment outside of our main cities, with the Agency continuing to target an increase in investment of 30% to 40% in every region of the country by the end of its current strategy in 2019.
While site visits can help highlight the benefits of the regions to the IDA's client companies, we need to remember that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the firm concerned. It is also the case that some companies will only consider investing in urban areas, for a variety of commercial reasons. It should not be forgotten either that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as at least 70% of all new FDI comes from existing IDA client companies.
Excluding Dublin, there has been a total of 66 site visits across Ireland in the first three months of 2018. The IDA will continue to bring new and existing clients to potential investment locations all over the country in the time ahead.
89. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if effective legal protection will be given to vulnerable workers by ensuring that they have a right to collective bargaining and trade union representation. [26523/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I must emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. These bodies are independent in the delivery of their quasi-judicial functions, in which I as Minister have no role. This approach has served Ireland well over the years and in a large number of high profile disputes.
Under Irish law there is no obligation on employers to recognise trade unions and there are no plans to bring forward legislation to provide for mandatory trade union recognition.
While Ireland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature, it has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to promote collective bargaining through the laws of this country and through the development of an institutional framework supportive of a voluntary system of industrial relations that is premised upon freedom of contract and freedom of association.
There is an extensive range of statutory provisions designed to back up the voluntary bargaining process. The freedom of association and the right to organise and bargain collectively are also guaranteed in a number of international instruments which the State has ratified and which it is, therefore, bound to uphold under international law.
The most recent legislation to facilitate this is the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 which came into effect on 1 August 2015 and was the result of an in-depth consultation with stakeholders, including employer and worker representatives, and a review of the experience of the operation of the existing legislative framework.
The 2015 Act makes provision, in instances where employers engage in collective bargaining with an ‘internal excepted body’ as opposed to a trade union, for a referral to be made to the Labour Court to establish if internal bargaining bodies are genuinely independent of their employer. If the Court finds that the mechanism is not independent it can then proceed to hear the dispute at issue.
90. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the level of take-up for the various supports in place to safeguard small and medium-sized enterprises from a hard Brexit scenario; if she is satisfied with the level of awareness and suitability of the various schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its agencies are working hard to ensure that potentially impacted firms are taking the necessary steps to prepare and mitigate risks and to take advantage of potential opportunities.
Enterprise Ireland provides a range of financial and non-financial supports to companies to support this, including the recently launched Market Discovery Fund and the Agile Innovation Fund. Other supports include:
- The Brexit SME Scorecard, an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. There have been 2328 engagements on the scorecard to date.
- The Act On Programme which provides an independent consultant to companies for a course of two half day to assist them decide on specific actions over a short period to address some of the risks and opportunities from Brexit. To date, 41 Brexit Plans have been completed.
- The €5k Be Prepared Grant that supports the costs of SME clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. To date 113 companies have been approved for funding under this initiative. Strong pipelines in place for both initiatives.
- National Brexit Roadshows to increase the awareness of Brexit amongst companies. Six Brexit Action Plan clinics have been completed across all parts of the country. The most recent clinic, June 21st, in Dublin (over 130 companies participated) was the most comprehensive Brexit workshop for companies to date. Four additional clinics are planned across Ireland by year end, incl Galway, Dundalk and Limerick. From the clinics to date, 95% of the attendee surveys have stated an intention to undertake new Brexit actions as a result of the clinics.
Innovation is essential for companies to be competitive internationally and to win market share. Enterprise Ireland is working with its clients to drive innovation activity via a number of supports.
To support these activities, in 2017 Enterprise Ireland:
- Approved 99 R&D projects to clients over €100,000;
- Approved funding for 436 industry innovation projects at Technology Gateways throughout the country; and
- Provided financial support for 1,065 collaborative innovations between industry and higher education institutes across the country.
Enterprise Ireland is actively working with companies with global ambition to internationalise, and in doing so, diversify their global footprint. This is critical for long term business growth. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland:
- Supported clients in winning 1,391 new overseas contracts;
- Supported clients to establish 350 new overseas presences;
- Supported 56 first time exporters outside the UK;
- Ran 878 international buyer visits; and
- Implemented an extensive schedule of trade mission and event focused on global and sectorial opportunities and stimulating demand for Irish products and services. This activity included 57 Ministerial-led Trade Missions to locations such as Canada, Singapore, China, the UAE and Oman.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and ‘soft’ supports in the form of training and mentoring to anyone wishing to start or grow a business.
The suite of LEO Brexit supports available to micro and small businesses through the 31 LEOs nationwide include:
- Access to Enterprise Ireland’s ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ online tool where micro and smaller businesses can self-diagnose their readiness for Brexit;
- Tailored mentoring to address Brexit related business challenges. The number of persons that have availed of Brexit related mentoring from 1st June 2017 to 31st March 2018 is 708;
- A ‘Technical Assistance for Micro-enterprises’ (TAME) grant designed to support qualifying businesses to diversify into new markets, enabling companies to explore and develop new market opportunities. 289 projects were approved for the TAME grant in 2017;
- Rollout of ‘Lean for Micro’ nationwide which will make small businesses more efficient and competitive;
- Training including on specific Brexit challenges, e.g. financial aspects and capability building in innovation, competitiveness and opportunity diagnosis. The total number of training participants in 2017 was 30,373.
A major initiative which my Department recently introduced for all Brexit impacted firms in the €300 million Brexit Working Capital Loan Scheme, under which accessible finance is made available to businesses at favourable terms. There has been a steady stream of applications under the scheme.
InterTrade Ireland (ITI) has a key role to play in protecting North-South trade in the context of Brexit, as the body is uniquely positioned when it comes to understanding the needs of businesses on both sides of the border, and helping businesses to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. A key part of ITI’s Brexit work is the provision for SMEs of a Brexit ‘Start to Plan’ readiness voucher scheme, which enables companies to purchase specialist advice in areas such as customs, tax, tariff and non-tariff barriers, legal and labour mobility issues. These are worth €2,000 to each of the companies. A total of 149 vouchers have been approved to date.
91. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingencies and supports in place to safeguard Irish SMEs and export businesses from a hard Brexit scenario; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30635/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit presents the most significant economic challenge of the past 50 years for businesses in all parts of the country. My Department and its agencies are working hard to ensure that all potentially impacted firms are taking the necessary steps to mitigate the risks and take advantage of potential opportunities resulting from Brexit.
My Department is engaged in helping SMEs prepare to withstand all Brexit scenarios, including a hard Brexit scenario. Encouraging companies to take action to identify their individual areas of exposure and to take positive steps to address them will build strong resilient businesses that can prosper in the face of difficult economic circumstances.
A major initiative that my Department is advancing is the €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme, under which accessible finance is made available to businesses at favourable terms. There has been a steady stream of applications under this scheme.
Work on the development of a Business Finance Advisory Hub continues, to strengthen financial management and strategic planning of Irish SMEs. It will assist businesses to make more informed financial decisions, building on existing supports available from bodies such as Enterprise Ireland (EI) and Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).
I am confident that the agencies under my remit have the supports available to enable companies to both consolidate market share within the UK, and become more resilient by broadening their exports to other international markets.
EI has an extensive range of supports to encourage clients to become more competitive, innovative and to diversify export markets, including:
- Brexit Scorecard: This interactive online platform can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. The Scorecard generates an immediate report which contains suggested actions and resources, and information on events for companies to attend, to prepare for Brexit.
- Be Prepared Grant: This grant offers SME clients a grant of up to €5,000 to assist them in preparing an action plan for economic shocks such as Brexit. The grant can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and travel expenses associated with researching the direction of their action plan.
- Brexit Advisory Clinics: Enterprise Ireland held five Brexit Advisory Clinics over the past few months in Portlaoise, Mayo, Cavan, Cork and last month in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The purpose of these Clinics is to support companies affected by Brexit to take immediate action to address their exposure. More Clinics are due to take place throughout the year.
- Brexit 'Act On' Programme: This funding is to support the engagement of a consultant to draw up a report with tailored recommendations to help clients address weaknesses and become more resilient.
- Strategic Consultancy Grant: This grant helps client companies to hire a strategic consultant for a set period to assist the company to develop and implement significant strategic initiatives.
In addition, EI is implementing extensive trade mission and event schedules focussed on further developing in-market expertise and networks, new sectorial opportunities and stimulating demand for Irish products and services through international marketing campaigns. In 2017, EI launched a new Eurozone Strategy to increase exports to Eurozone countries by 50% by 2020.
The suite of LEO Brexit supports available to micro and small businesses through the 31 LEOs nationwide include:
- A ‘Technical Assistance for Micro-enterprises’ grant designed to support qualifying businesses to diversify into new markets, enabling companies to explore and develop new market opportunities;
- Rollout of ‘Lean for Micro’ nationwide which will make small businesses more efficient and competitive;
- Tailored mentoring to address Brexit related business challenges;
- Targeted training on specific Brexit challenges, including financial aspects and capability building in innovation, competitiveness and opportunity diagnosis; and
- Continued information, advice and guidance across all 31 LEOs and regionally.
The additional Brexit supports on offer through the LEOs are focused on capability building, market diversification, driving increased competitiveness, and promoting innovation so that LEO client companies can better cope with the challenges arising on foot of Brexit and to explore any opportunities presented.
InterTrade Ireland (ITI), has also been very active in assisting businesses address the challenges that Brexit may present for future cross-border commerce. A series of information and awareness raising events have been underway in towns across both North and South over recent months. ITI is also rolling out a ‘Start to Plan’ readiness voucher scheme, which enables companies to purchase specialist advice in areas such as customs, tax, tariff and non-tariff barriers, legal and labour mobility issues.
I also launched the second call of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, which is aimed at supporting the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level.
I am satisfied that across a range of supports and initiatives, work of my Department is focused on supporting businesses throughout the country to withstand current challenges and succeed into the future. I feel, therefore, that all our efforts will put Ireland in a strong position in the event of a hard Brexit scenario.
92. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to concerns regarding section 7 of SI No. 188 of 2018, which amended the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 without a Dáil Éireann debate; her plans to bring this before Dáil Éireann for debate and scrutiny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30604/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Directive on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure was transposed by way of S.I. 188 of 2018, European Union (Protection of Trade Secrets) Regulations 2018. These Regulations were made by me on the 8th June under, and in accordance with, the European Communities Act 1972 and were subsequently laid before the Oireachtas on 13th June.
During the transposition process the implications of the Directive for the Protection Disclosures Act 2014 was brought to my Department's attention. Legal advice was sought and received to the effect the Directive imposes a requirement for a subjective public interest test and that the transposing legislation should amend the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 by adding a requirement that a "protected disclosure" coming within Article 5 (b) of the Directive i.e. a disclosure involving revealing misconduct, wrongdoing or illegal activity, must be made for the purpose of protecting the public interest. Accordingly S.I. 188 of 2018 contains such an amendment so that Ireland achieves a full transposition of the Directive.
93. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the work being undertaken to ascertain the way in which foreign direct investment may be affected by the Trump Administration's trade and tax policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30630/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and the US have a significant bilateral relationship based on the same values and interests that has proved indispensable for the prosperity of both sides of the Atlantic. Ireland remains fully committed to a continued strong partnership with the US both bilaterally and through EU/US engagement across so many fronts.
The current direction of US Trade Policy, whereby the pursuit of bilateral negotiations has supplanted longstanding commitments to multilateralism and the rules-based approach to trade overseen at the WTO, is concerning. Our concerns, shared by our EU partners, is that a global, rules-based, approach to trade and the employment it supports, has delivered for our country and while there are many trade irritants that require addressing, these should be tackled on a global, multilateral, basis, with countries and trading blocs working collaboratively.
Insofar as impacts for Ireland from the current US trade actions are concerned, an initial assessment shows a limited impact to date at national level from them or the EU counterbalancing measures. However, as this could possibly mask individual firm level impacts, my Department and its agencies will keep the situation under review and engage with industry to identify specific issues arising.
As regards, U.S. tax policies, changes in the U.S. tax system could, of course, have an impact on Ireland given the significant volume of U.S. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ireland. However, the IDA believes that FDI opportunities for Ireland will continue. Ireland’s corporation tax regime will continue to be competitive while also offering long-term certainty to international business. It is clear that Ireland's consistency, stability and predictability in relation to tax policy as well as our competitive corporate tax rate remain a virtue in this dynamic tax policy environment. As always, however, Government remains alert and responsive to any changes in the US or global tax environment and we are committed to full participation in any international discussions or reviews of global tax issues, while remaining clear that tax policy remains a national competence.
It is clear, however, that Ireland’s access to the EU market is, and will remain, a key factor in attracting FDI from the US and elsewhere. Global business, from the US or elsewhere, will always want to have operations in the EU, and Ireland will remain very competitive and attractive as an EU location to invest in and do business from. I might also note that the Irish/US FDI relationship is two-way and recent research shows that some 100,000 jobs in the US are in Irish FDI companies in areas such as hi-tech, construction and agri to name just some sectors.
94. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Enterprise Ireland supported jobs in County Kildare; the steps it is taking to increase this number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30502/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through its enterprise agencies, is committed to supporting businesses to grow, innovate and perform strongly in global markets.
I am delighted to say that 2017 was a particularly good year for job numbers and job creation in agency supported companies. In Co. Kildare, 9,134 people were employed in Enterprise Ireland supported companies, representing an increase of 5% on 2016.
Underpinning Enterprise Ireland’s 2017 employment results are a range of activities and supports to help companies in Kildare to innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. In the period 2015 - 2017 Enterprise Ireland paid €11.7million to client companies in Kildare to support companies to be innovative, improve competitiveness and to diversify their global footprint.
Enterprise Ireland is working with established client companies in Kildare through teams of sectorial focused development advisors. Using a company led diagnostic approach, the agency can tailor a support package to the company’s growth potential based on their ambition, capability and need.
In addition to direct client support, Enterprise Ireland has funded the establishment of a national network of business innovation centres and specialist bio-incubation facilities across the Higher Education Sector including the Innovation Centre located at Maynooth University. These internationally recognised facilities are important drivers of regional development, with the majority of companies located at these facilities remaining in their region after they have completed their incubation period.
Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Development Programme, the national entrepreneur development programme for early-stage startups, is run in partnership with 14 Institutes of Technology throughout the country. New Frontiers Midlands & Mid-East Entrepreneurial Programme is run at Athlone Institute of Technology in partnership with Maynooth University and supported 13 entrepreneurs in 2017.
In late 2017 , under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, over €11m was approved for projects in the Eastern and Midlands region including funding to the County Kildare Community Network Company CLG.
The Technology Centre Programme is a joint initiative between Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland allowing Irish companies and multinationals to work together in these centres including the Innovation Value Institute (IVI) Technology Centre at Maynooth University. These centres are resourced by highly qualified researchers associated with research institutions who are empowered to undertake market focused strategic R&D for the benefit of industry.
Enterprise Ireland funding has supported the establishment of Community Enterprise Centres in every county throughout the country, including three in Allenwood, Clane and Athy. These centres provide space in a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs and serve to help the development of entrepreneurship locally.
Brexit presents a significant challenge for Irish companies and Enterprise Ireland is seeking to build resilience within client companies to deal with any kind of Brexit. The launch and development of a Brexit SME Scorecard, an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. There have been 2328 engagements on the scorecard to date, with 78 Scorecards engaged with in Kildare.
The Mid East Regional Action Plan for Jobs is a key policy response for supporting employment growth in the Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
Some 22,800 jobs have been created in the Mid East region since the initiative was launched in January 2015 while the unemployment rate in the Mid East region has fallen since then and now stands at 5.4% according to the CSO (Q1 2018).
Furthermore, Live Register numbers continue to fall in County Kildare, down from 19,368 in July 2012 to 9,427 in May 2018, a decrease of almost 10,000. There is of course always room for improvement but the latest CSO figures are testament to the Government’s efforts to help create jobs and reduce unemployment.
I am aware that further efforts are needed to ensure that jobs continue to be created in Kildare and in doing so, ensure that employment creation is sustainable. To this end, the I will ensure that Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with companies in Kildare and across the region to promote job creation.
95. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration will be given to make the Regional Enterprise Development Fund a rolling fund that can accept applications from local authorities all year round in view of the work involved in these applications and the scale of the projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30539/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) is designed to support the ambition, goals, and implementation of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs.
The REDF is currently being delivered through two competitive calls with an overall allocation of €60m. €30.45m was approved under call one, and the balance will be available for projects submitted for call two, which closed on the 28th June.
At the launch of the second call under the REDF in April 2018 in Farmleigh House, I announced that this Fund will operate on a rolling basis in the coming years as part of Project Ireland 2040. This commitment has been made in order to assist and provide some certainty for applicants in the planning and preparation of proposals. It also encourages unsuccessful applicants to improve their submissions and reapply in a subsequent round.
Each call has a launch date, followed by briefing sessions across each region outlining the requirements of the scheme and application process. The call close takes place 10 to 12 weeks after the launch date.
This is a competitive process, in which each project is assessed against a defined set of criteria. The amount of funding approved is up to €5m per project, and, in order to ensure value for money and economic impact and benefit to Ireland, each project goes through a 7-stage assessment process before results are announced.
The competitive call process gives the assessors a clear opportunity to rank the relative merit of the projects, and ensure that the best applications are recommended for support within the financial limitations. This process benefits applicants in that they have a defined process and timelines, feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of their application and an opportunity to reapply in future. It also gives the assessment panel an opportunity to assess, rank and rate these projects relative to one another and select the best for support.
Operating a rolling-fund application process open all year round can be useful, where applicants can be funded once they reach a defined milestone(s), but the retention of external panel members to assess this process on a continuous basis is not feasible or practical.
This process has been defined to be the best solution to deliver this REDF funding which is transparent and above board. It also has the advantage of providing feedback to unsuccessful applicants and assistance outside the competition period to submit stronger applications for subsequent calls.
96. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when she plans to legislate to ensure that all Irish artists receive royalties from all online platforms that profit from the playing of their music. [27192/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI appreciate and understand the concerns of Irish artists in the modern digital age. My Department actively supports placing Irish artists in a more beneficial position to ensure that they can gain the most remuneration possible for their music. New business models are currently emerging to help musicians to license their works to online platforms and ultimately it is a commercial matter for rights holders to negotiate the use of their works on any platform or media. However, I agree that there should be a regulatory framework to help them not just in Ireland, but at an EU-wide level.
On 14 September 2016, the EU Commission published a package of copyright reform proposals as part of its Digital Single Market strategy. This included a Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market (hereinafter the “Copyright Directive”). The intention of the Directive is to craft modern copyright legislation suitable for all European citizens. Among the Directive’s many proposals is a provision aimed at addressing the “value gap”, whereby rights holders are receiving less remuneration despite the increased usage of their works (Article 13).
Officials of my Department have been thoroughly engaged in negotiations since publication of this proposal and have been successful in achieving a number of amendments to address the concerns of our stakeholders. The Copyright Directive has been discussed by EU Ambassadors and the Presidency has gained approval for a mandate to commence negotiations with the European Parliament.
Negotiations on the Copyright Directive have been exhaustive and, while I appreciate the concerns that have been raised, I fully support the intention of this proposal which is vitally important to both the DSM and the digital economy. Our focus has always been on achieving the best balance for the competing interests of all stakeholders, including digital economy actors, rights holders, and citizens. To that end, there has been extensive engagement with stakeholders across the various issues in Ireland, Brussels, and with other EU Member States, including at Ministerial level.
My Department will continue to engage positively with the negotiations on the proposal going forward to ensure that Ireland can benefit from its many merits, particularly with regard to the value gap, as soon as possible.
97. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will publish its report on the operation of the household waste collection market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 4 July 2017, a motion was passed by Dáil Éireann which called on the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to ask the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to report on the operation of the household waste collection market.
Following a formal request on 25 September from the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the then Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in accordance with section 10(4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014, requested the CCPC to carry out a study on the operation of the household waste collection market.
I understand this exercise is still underway and it is anticipated that the report will be finalised over the summer months. The issue of publication will be considered at that stage.
98. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied that a sufficient window for public consultation was allowed in the run-up to the transposition of the EU trade secrets directive; and if further public consultation or review will be undertaken following the coming into force of SI No. 188 of 2018. [30358/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department engaged in two public consultations on the Trade Secrets Directive; in 2014 on the Commission's initial proposal and subsequently in 2017 post adoption of the Directive and in the lead up to the commencement of work on its transposition. Both consultations were available on my Department's website and were also directly addressed to stakeholders including the Department's enterprise agencies, business representative bodies, the legal profession and other relevant Government Departments. Both consultations elicited few responses.
I have no plans for a further consultation on this Directive or the implementing SI. However under the Directive the European Union Intellectual Property Office is required to prepare an initial report on the litigation trends regarding the unlawful acquisition, use or disclosure of trade secrets pursuant to the Directive by 9 June 2021. By 9 June 2022 the Commission is required to draw up an intermediate report on the application of the Directive for submission to the European Parliament and the Council. By 9 June 2026 the Commission is required to carry out an evaluation of the impact of the Directive and report on same to the European Parliament and Council.
99. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingencies and supports in place to protect Irish businesses from a hard Brexit scenario; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30642/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit presents the most significant economic challenge of the past 50 years for businesses in all parts of the country. My Department and its agencies are working hard to ensure that all potentially impacted firms are taking the necessary steps to mitigate the risks and take advantage of potential opportunities resulting from Brexit.
My Department is engaged in helping SMEs prepare to withstand all Brexit scenarios, including a hard Brexit scenario. Encouraging companies to take action to identify their individual areas of exposure and to take positive steps to address them will build strong resilient businesses that can prosper in the face of difficult economic circumstances.
A major initiative that my Department is advancing is the €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme, under which accessible finance is made available to businesses at favourable terms. There has been a steady stream of applications under this scheme.
Work on the development of a Business Finance Advisory Hub continues, to strengthen financial management and strategic planning of Irish SMEs. It will assist businesses to make more informed financial decisions, building on existing supports available from bodies such as Enterprise Ireland (EI) and Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).
I am confident that the agencies under my remit have the supports available to enable companies to both consolidate market share within the UK, and become more resilient by broadening their exports to other international markets.
EI has an extensive range of supports to encourage clients to become more competitive, innovative and to diversify export markets, including:
- Brexit Scorecard: This interactive online platform can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. The Scorecard generates an immediate report which contains suggested actions and resources, and information on events for companies to attend, to prepare for Brexit.
- Be Prepared Grant: This grant offers SME clients a grant of up to €5,000 to assist them in preparing an action plan for economic shocks such as Brexit. The grant can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and travel expenses associated with researching the direction of their action plan.
- Brexit Advisory Clinics: Enterprise Ireland held five Brexit Advisory Clinics over the past few months in Portlaoise, Mayo, Cavan, Cork and last month in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The purpose of these Clinics is to support companies affected by Brexit to take immediate action to address their exposure. More Clinics are due to take place throughout the year.
- Brexit 'Act On' Programme: This funding is to support the engagement of a consultant to draw up a report with tailored recommendations to help clients address weaknesses and become more resilient.
- Strategic Consultancy Grant: This grant helps client companies to hire a strategic consultant for a set period to assist the company to develop and implement significant strategic initiatives.
In addition, EI is implementing extensive trade mission and event schedules focussed on further developing in-market expertise and networks, new sectorial opportunities and stimulating demand for Irish products and services through international marketing campaigns. In 2017, EI launched a new Eurozone Strategy to increase exports to Eurozone countries by 50% by 2020.
The suite of LEO Brexit supports available to micro and small businesses through the 31 LEOs nationwide include:
- A ‘Technical Assistance for Micro-enterprises’ grant designed to support qualifying businesses to diversify into new markets, enabling companies to explore and develop new market opportunities;
- Rollout of ‘Lean for Micro’ nationwide which will make small businesses more efficient and competitive;
- Tailored mentoring to address Brexit related business challenges;
- Targeted training on specific Brexit challenges, including financial aspects and capability building in innovation, competitiveness and opportunity diagnosis; and
- Continued information, advice and guidance across all 31 LEOs and regionally.
The additional Brexit supports on offer through the LEOs are focused on capability building, market diversification, driving increased competitiveness, and promoting innovation so that LEO client companies can better cope with the challenges arising on foot of Brexit and to explore any opportunities presented.
InterTrade Ireland (ITI), has also been very active in assisting businesses address the challenges that Brexit may present for future cross-border commerce. A series of information and awareness raising events have been underway in towns across both North and South over recent months. ITI is also rolling out a ‘Start to Plan’ readiness voucher scheme, which enables companies to purchase specialist advice in areas such as customs, tax, tariff and non-tariff barriers, legal and labour mobility issues.
I also launched the second call of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, which is aimed at supporting the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level.
I am satisfied that across a range of supports and initiatives, work of my Department is focused on supporting businesses throughout the country to withstand current challenges and succeed into the future. I feel, therefore, that all our efforts will put Ireland in a strong position in the event of a hard Brexit scenario.
