Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I disagree with the Minister in one respect in that Brexit has already had adverse impacts on the Border region, particularly on some of the food sectors. It has also damaged business confidence. Those of us who represent the Border region are all aware that some enterprises have shelved plans to consolidate or expand and increase employment.

Another telling argument is that the Troubles and a lack of economic development in the Border region have meant employment in the region is predominately based on small and medium enterprises. The facts show that of all the regions, the Border region has the highest proportion of exports to the sterling area. It will, therefore, be impacted when we no longer share a trading area with Britain. The estimated costs of Brexit to business are readily identifiable they will impact most on the Border region. I emphasise that small and medium enterprises in the region are more dependent on the British market than those of any other part of the country.

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