Brexit Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2018

Thursday, 15 November 2018

Ceisteanna (99)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

99. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 8 November 2018, the schemes that are being developed between her Department, the Directorate General for Competition and the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development on the development of schemes that do not fall under the general block exemption regulation; if these schemes will be operational before 29 March 2019; and if Exchequer funding will be required. [47650/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

My Officials are working with DG Competition and DG Agriculture on the development of schemes under the State aid Framework and the European Guidelines for State Aid in Agriculture, Forestry Sectors and Rural Areas.

The guidelines set out the conditions and criteria under which aid in these areas would be considered compatible with the Internal Market and we see potential in these guidelines to support investment of enterprises in Ireland's Food sector and other Brexit impacted sectors.

Part of this process is to explore our options to include small midcaps in the Future Growth Loan Scheme announced in Budget 2019. Support under this scheme for SMEs is being addressed under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).

DG Comp and DG Agri are working with us to progress matters as quickly as possible.

Should any further Exchequer funding be required, this would be a matter for discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.