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

In advance of the Brexit referendum, my Department conducted a contingency risk assessment of the potential impacts of Brexit across relevant policy areas. We have refined our analysis since then and have been working with our agencies and across Government to put in place additional resources and actions so as to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities. I have also initiated new structures, consultation fora and research to inform our decision making. Budget 2017 and the Action Plan for Jobs 2017 include important initiatives to enhance the capacity of our enterprise agencies to assist companies in the context of Brexit.

Since the Brexit referendum, I have attended three meetings of the Competitiveness Council. The issue of revisions of state aid rules on foot of Brexit has not arisen at Council meetings, in which the UK continues to participate. However, in all of my engagements with European Commissioners and Ministers from other member states since the UK decision, Brexit has been a central part of the discussions. At each meeting, I have stressed the potential impact of Brexit on the most exposed sectors of the Irish economy.

My departmental officials have also had discussions with senior officials from the Directorate General for Competition and other relevant DGs to sensitise them to the potential difficulties for Irish businesses arising from the Brexit referendum result. These discussions are ongoing, will continue to address all relevant issues and challenges and will explore all possible options.

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