Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2018
324. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she or officials from her Department have reviewed the Enterprise Ireland Brexit survey of its clients; her views on the results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42216/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in constant communication with Enterprise Ireland (EI), to ensure that the agency is effective and has the resources it needs to support businesses to scale, compete in global markets, and withstand the current uncertain economic climate.
As we move towards 2020, EI’s focus for 2018 is to help clients build on the strength of their 2017 performance by supporting them to innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint – key attributes required to be resilient to economic shocks, such as those emerging from any kind of Brexit.
When EI surveyed its clients in September 2017 the results indicated that 38% of clients surveyed had taken Brexit Actions. In May 2018, the figure had increased to 85% of all client companies surveyed. The survey reported that client companies are taking action in areas such as market diversification; developing strategic partnerships; improving operational competitiveness, improving financial management, and strengthening business in the UK. This is a substantial increase, and demonstrates the effectiveness of EI’s efforts to communicate the importance of preparing for Brexit.
To drive the building of resilience, EI has put an increased emphasis on market diversification, driving innovation, and improving competitiveness. In delivering on this, new supports have been introduced, others streamlined, and a Global Ambition campaign launched. In addition, EI has commenced national awareness and preparedness initiatives.
EI will continue to roll out Brexit Advisory Clinics. A clinic was held earlier this month, with three more scheduled to take place in Dundalk, Waterford and Limerick before the end of the year.
My Department, through EI, will continue to work with client companies to help them to scale, improve resilience and succeed in world markets. EI will also work with Government and non-Governmental stakeholders to support clients to overcome the challenges of Brexit and build on their ambitious strategies to sustain and create jobs throughout the country.
The Government’s commitment to preparing the business community for Brexit can also be seen in the series of four “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” seminars, which are being held this month around the country.
