Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Quinlivan for his question. Sustaining and increasing employment and economic opportunity in the regions remains a key priority, especially in light of the Brexit vote.

As Minister with responsibility for jobs and enterprise, I wish to assure Deputy Quinlivan that I have placed Brexit at the top of the agenda for my Department and the agenda of the enterprise development agencies. We have yet to see the full implications of Brexit on the Irish economy. Clearly, it will present opportunities and challenges. Of particular concern to me at present are the immediate challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises due to a weakened sterling. Many of the sectors particularly exposed, including food, construction, retail, tourism and traditional manufacturing, have deep roots throughout the regions and they provide significant employment in rural and regional Ireland.

The implications of the Brexit vote on Irish enterprises will continue to be an important item on the agenda of meetings of the regional implementation committees charged with overseeing and monitoring the regional plans. I have attended many regional implementation meetings. As the situation evolves, we will monitor the potential and real impacts of Brexit on each region.

The value of the regional plans stems from the involvement of all the key stakeholders. The plans mean that, more than ever, we have a finger on the pulse of each region. I am working across the Government to ensure that, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, any actions taken in response to Brexit are tailored, targeted and evidence-based.

I recently secured an increase in the Department's current and capital budgets for 2017. This increase will be used to fund additional measures to support companies impacted by Brexit.

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