Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. On his question about why a portion of his question was sent to another Department, I cannot answer that and I do not know. I presume it was a decision made in the Ceann Comhairle's office.

Co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-departmental co-ordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and my Department is central to those efforts. Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome.

This work is therefore providing baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations, including in regard to transition arrangements and the future relationship. However, the Government is already acting to get Ireland Brexit ready and this is a priority for my Department and the enterprise agencies. Our objective is to support firms to adapt to the challenges and opportunities Brexit presents by ensuring we have fit-for-purpose policies. Our strategy is to minimise risks and to maximise opportunities by ensuring the growth and resilience of Irish enterprise post Brexit working across four pillars which are: helping firms to compete; enabling firms to innovate; supporting firms to trade; negotiating for the best possible outcome.

Several important steps have been already taken to prepare our economy, including through a range of measures announced in budgets 2017 and 2018, as well as commitments set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, 2017 and 2018, and the targets included in the trade, tourism and investment strategy. My Department has secured an additional €6 million which will enable the Department and its agencies to recruit up to 100 additional staff focused on helping Irish exporters grow their international sales, diversify their markets and secure new investments in Ireland.

The enterprise agencies are atthe forefront in working with firms to ensure they are equipped to deal with Brexit and to enhance their performances in an increasingly competitive global trading environment through lean programmes, skills development and reducing business costs. This is being achieved through the provision of information, advice, training and other supports.

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