Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
86. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure greater flexibility for the Border region under the EU regional aid guidelines in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21730/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Regional Aid Guidelines (RAGS) provides for enhanced rates of State Aid in the least economically developed areas of each Member State.
The 2014-2020 Regional Aid Guidelines entered into force on 01 July 2014. Under the terms of the 2014 -2020 RAGS, regions covering 51.28% of Ireland’s population are designated as ‘assisted areas’, and this includes the Border Region.
As part of the State Aid Modernisation process, the Regional Aid Guidelines are due to expire at the end of 2020. However, in July of this year, in order to provide predictability and legal certainty while preparing for a future update of the State aid rules, the Commission agreed to extend the period of application of certain guidelines, including Regional Aid Guidelines until the end of 2021.
Ireland has therefore formally notified the Commission of its intention to extend its regional aid map for a further year to the end of 2021. As the Border Region is designated as an assisted area under the current Regional Aid Map it will continue to have available to it the opportunities under Regional Aid during this extended period.
In addition to the eligibility for enhanced rates of State Aid under the Regional Aid Guidelines, my Department has put a number of measures in place including the Brexit Loan Scheme and the recently enhanced Future Growth Loan Scheme. These Schemes provide finance for businesses to adapt to the impact of Brexit.
My Department maintains a comprehensive 'Getting Business Brexit Ready' guide to the Government supports that are available for businesses which can be accessed on the Department's website:
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/EU-Internal-Market/Brexit/Getting-Brexit-Ready/
