Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I agree the take-up of the loan schemes is quite low. Something that has come to my attention, particularly in recent months, is the chilling effect Brexit is having on business in terms of both drawing down loan moneys available and in making decisions to hire new staff, invest in the business, expand or sign new contracts. Is the Department carrying out analysis of these impacts of Brexit? Even if a deal is done, Brexit has already had a damaging impact on business.

Another complaint I hear is that contracts for businesses looking to sign deals with companies in the UK contain Brexit clauses that are quite onerous on Irish businesses. Is the Minister engaging with the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on this? Some companies here that need a particular product because of the supply chain or that export heavily to the UK find themselves in a position whereby they must accept these Brexit clauses.