Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The focus must be on addressing the issues of most concern to business in the run-up to Brexit. This includes meeting the challenges presented by our reliance on the United Kingdom in the context of Brexit. It is difficult at this stage because we do not know what will be the final shape of Brexit. However, Brexit has significant implications for trade generally but specifically for firms which are dependent on the UK market. The focus in the budget will be on ensuring that we have a range of initiatives in place that are supportive of business in this environment. Addressing the issue of access to finance will also be key because businesses will need to invest in capital, innovation and research and development. The Government wants to be able to help businesses to do this. We also want to ensure they access funding that is available from international resources and take all necessary steps to prepare for Brexit. I will consider these initiatives in the context of the budget.

As the Deputy correctly noted, additional funding was provided in last year's budget to facilitate significant recruitment in the enterprise agencies. This continues to be supported by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

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We are aware of the need to have staff on the ground doing the work and dealing with the challenges for businesses in the run up to Brexit. The latter is a question of businesses' development, preparations and access to finance so that they can take the necessary steps to cope with Brexit.

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