Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) was allocated to a suite of measures implemented by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department.

These supports can be grouped under two broad headings:

1) Supports for enterprises to prepare for Brexit in order to mitigate the possible risk of impact and;

2) Supports aimed at mitigating the impact of Brexit by helping firms to compete, innovate and continue to trade in the post-Brexit environment.

The preparatory measures included supports to enable companies to respond to the threats and opportunities that arose as a result of Brexit related changes to the trading environment (Be Prepared Grants and Evolve Strategic Planning Grants). Training and financial supports were also provided to enable companies to prepare for the change in customs requirements as a result of Brexit (Clear Customs Grants and Ready for Customs Grants).

As part of Budget 2023, €10 million was allocated to Enterprise Ireland to allow for an ‘Open Call’ under its existing suite of schemes to those clients who continue to be appreciably impacted by Brexit. The Capital Investment Initiative, Company Development, R&D Fund, Operational Excellence and Job Expansion projects fell under this ‘Open call’ umbrella in which eligible projects could avail of BAR funding.

The following table sets out expenditure in 2023 which has been identified by Enterprise Ireland as eligible for BAR funding: