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

I accept the figures that were announced by the Department of Finance, which relate to a no-deal Brexit. They show that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, our economy would grow but at a slower rate. The Department of Finance forecasts GDP growth of 2.7% in 2019, which is down from the budget 2019 estimate of 4.2%, while in 2020 growth is predicted to be under 1%, which is down from the forecast of 3.6%.

On jobs, by 2023 total employment would increase by approximately 178,000, although that would be some 59,000 below the budget 2019 forecast. Employment in 2020 would still be higher than this year but by a smaller amount than was previously forecast.

A broad range of supports are available through my Department and its agencies. I am satisfied we are doing everything possible to ensure that businesses are prepared for Brexit.

If businesses have not identified their risks or prepared, they should do so and avail of the wide range of supports that the Government has made available.

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