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

We increased the 2018 budget to employ almost 100 extra staff members between the two agencies. They have got more boots on the ground, mainly abroad because they are looking for new markets. Enterprise Ireland is seeking out new markets and IDA Ireland is looking for new opportunities. There are opportunities arising from Brexit, although there are a lot of downsides. We have more boots on the ground abroad. An additional €8 million in current moneys was allocated to my Department in budget 2019, of which €3 million is being allocated to Enterprise Ireland to drive its plans for Ireland's global footprint. We are telling companies that they must get ready for Brexit and urging them to diversify into new markets. That takes time, so Enterprise Ireland is there to help them to scale up, to export and to get new markets abroad.