Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Almost 100 companies were represented at the most recent Brexit meeting I attended, which was held in Cootehill, County Cavan. The meeting was organised by Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland and was well attended and received. Many of those to whom I spoke afterwards indicated they had learned a great deal from the meeting.

We have introduced a number of initiatives on Brexit. For example, I will shortly issue a leaflet which outlines the many supports available in preparation for Brexit. Every time I speak, I encourage businesses to engage with Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs. The first project developed was the Brexit online score card, which is open to anybody to use. The score card is a useful exercise but companies must want to engage in the process. We have outlined the different challenges Brexit will create and we want companies to engage with us. Enterprise Ireland has done substantial work in this area. In addition to the score card, a wide range of awareness sessions and advisory clinics are being convened by Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and LEOs to provide information and support to all companies on actions to address exposure to Brexit. As I stated, this week, we will launch the Brexit loan scheme for businesses that need external support. The Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, also pointed out that Enterprise Ireland is offering a Be Prepared grant of up to €5,000 to support clients to develop a Brexit action plan.

The Enterprise Ireland market discovery fund supports businesses to research viable and sustainable new market entry strategies along with a portfolio of other supports. The LEOs offer a range of Brexit supports in every county. These include the LEO Brexit mentor programme, which assists owners to identify key Brexit exposures and develop robust strategies to address issues and maximise potential opportunities. It also offers technical assistance for micro-exporters and provides financial assistance to support market diversification in qualifying businesses to develop new and export market opportunities. InterTradeIreland provides Brexit start-to-plan vouchers to enable companies to secure professional advice on Brexit, including likely tariffs, currency management and regulatory and customs issues. IDA Ireland is working with clients to advise on Brexit risks and opportunities. The Health and Safety Authority and National Standards Authority of Ireland are providing support and advice on sector specific Brexit related issues to firms throughout the country.

My Department will soon publish the Building Stronger Business – Getting Brexit ready pamphlet to which I referred. This easy-to-read brochure will provide a list of all the different supports available, including links to websites. We are encouraging businesses to get ready, remain competitive, invest in innovation and diversify their markets. The diversification of markets is working. The Copenhagen Economics report showed that while our exports to the United Kingdom remain buoyant and strong, our exports to other countries have increased as a percentage of our overall exports. Diversification is, therefore, working. A great deal of work is being done and we are working closely with businesses. A wide range of supports is available to encourage businesses to engage with the agencies and to use them.