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

The Government has been working to raise awareness of the Brexit supports through events, including through clinics and seminars, and the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready campaign. When it comes to Brexit preparedness, it is important to note that companies are choosing from a full suite of supports available from the agencies. A wide array of different supports is in place to help businesses prepare across Departments and agencies. Businesses must ultimately decide for themselves whether they want or need to avail of those supports. In the case of the Brexit loan scheme, it is important to remember that this is a loan and that businesses will still have to pay it back. Understandably, there is a natural reluctance on the part of businesses to take on debt until the full details of the Brexit challenge become clearer. It is important that the loan is in place in order that businesses are able to avail of it when it is needed. I encourage them to apply for the loan and leave it in place without drawing it down immediately. I engage with and meet businesses on a regular basis.

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