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

The question tabled by the Deputy was slightly different so I will answer that one.

Brexit will impact on all policy fields of the Department and agencies and I have tasked my Department officials with making Brexit their number one priority.

I am satisfied that all efforts are being made to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities.

This is reflected in the recently launched Action Plan for Jobs 2017, which contains a special chapter on Brexit and several detailed actions.

I have secured significant additional capital and current funding for my Department in 2017 – a 10% increase on 2016 to support the enterprise agencies of the Department.

Enterprise Ireland, EI, the local enterprise offices, InterTradeIreland, Industrial Development Agency, IDA, Ireland, are engaging on a one-to-one basis with all client companies to help them assess, plan and act.

We will work to preserve Ireland's fullest market access to the UK in the framework of any future deal between the EU and the UK. This includes a particular focus on the trade implications for the Border region. We will do our utmost to promote the interests of those companies and businesses that engage in cross-Border trade.

InterTradeIreland has a programme of initiatives to deal with the practical consequences of Brexit for cross-Border trade.

I have put in place a structured dialogue with companies of different sizes, across different sectors and regions with the support of various representative bodies, to identify the real needs of firms and develop potential responses. This will give me a clear evidence base for what the various sectors need and want. We are also enhancing our trade and investment missions and events.

See this speech in context