Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all share the concerns about what will happen on 29 March 2019. That is why we put many incentives in place to ensure that we will be as Brexit ready as possible. The uncertainty obviously causes many problems for companies, particularly those exporting to the UK. The importance of local enterprise offices, LEOs, must be highlighted. We have resourced agencies and given them extra staff to deal with Brexit. As the Deputy said, meetings organised by Enterprise Ireland have been held all over the country. LEOs are also providing mentoring. Deputy Kelleher will acknowledge that we have put in place incentives for companies to prepare for Brexit. I understand the Deputy received a copy of Building Stronger Business - Getting Brexit ready, a small booklet that outlines the tools available including the clinics, the Be Prepared grant, the Enterprise Ireland, EI, market discovery fund, what LEOs and InterTradeIreland are doing and FDI Brexit support. We are working hard in this area.

It has to be admitted that there are challenges, but there are also opportunities for companies. Until we know what is going to happen – the next few months will be important – uncertainty is affecting many companies. At the same time, the UK market will remain important for SMEs and other Irish companies that export into the UK. We are putting resources in place. These will be additional to the collaboration that already exists with the Department.

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