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

I thank Deputy Durkan for the question. The question he asked is not exactly what is on the Order Paper but I will come back to it. I will now answer the question I was asked.

My Department is actively managing our response to Brexit to take full account of any potential positive consequences, and to safeguard against any negative developments.

In this regard, I am working closely with the enterprise agencies. We are determined not to overlook whatever opportunities may emerge for Ireland on account of the referendum result. Securing new foreign direct investment for the country is one such possibility, and IDA Ireland is already working hard with this goal in mind.

In recent months, IDA Ireland has been engaging with current and prospective clients about the possibility of expanding or investing in Ireland in the wake of the referendum. Our continued membership of the EU and the eurozone makes Ireland potentially more attractive to potential investors than before the referendum.

Enterprise Ireland, EI, is working hard to minimise any negative fallout from Brexit, particularly for its 1,500 clients. EI is looking at the individual challenges faced by companies in every county in Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland is working to assist companies to extend their international reach, and to enhance their competitiveness. EI is also assisting clients to improve their processes, drive efficiencies and cost reductions, and to undertake research and development and innovation with a view to improving existing products and developing new ones.

My Department’s 2017 budget contains many measures to assist Irish business to become more competitive and cope with the impact of Brexit.

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