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

Funding of InterTrade Ireland is provided on a 2:1 basis by my Department and its counterpart in Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy. Discussions between both Departments to determine a budget for the body for 2017 have not yet been concluded. I am very much aware of the difficulties that Brexit may pose for the companies that InterTrade Ireland assists, particularly SMEs. That is why I am keen to ensure it will have sufficient funding in 2017 to manage its operations, including assisting client companies to plan and prepare for the implications arising from the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

I am hopeful we will be able to increase budgetary support for InterTrade Ireland through my Department's Vote allocation for 2017. I cannot be specific about the amount of potential additional funding at this stage. The 2017 allocation to InterTrade Ireland from my Department will be finalised through the 2017 Revised Estimates Volume process in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This is expected to be concluded by the end of this month.

I emphasise that I fully appreciate the important role that InterTrade Ireland will play in helping businesses deal with Brexit. Supporting its work will remain a priority of mine in the time ahead.

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