Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will nearly need 25 minutes to conclude, given all of the comments that have been made, for which I thank Deputies.

As part of the Government's approach, my Department is working intensively with Brexit-exposed firms. It is important to make that point. It is being done with the help and support of the agencies. It is important that we recognise the good work being done by all of the agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the LEOs. We are working together to respond to all needs, including in the regions. Deputy Mattie McGrath spoke about the LEOs. They play a very important role in creating jobs in every community in the country. Last year they created 3,700 jobs in the regions. Turning to Enterprise Ireland, last year it created nearly 21,000 new jobs. The same applies to IDA Ireland. Looking at the way jobs were dispersed, it was the first time in 17 years that more jobs were created in the regions. A total of 58% of the jobs created by IDA Ireland were in the regions. The same applies to Enterprise Ireland. A total of 64% of the jobs it created were located outside Dublin. I assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to ensure the regions will grow in tandem with large urban areas. That is why put in place grants and supports to assist Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs, of which there are 31 throughout the country.

Many Deputies made interesting observations. I have very little time, but it is important for us to realise that the provision of supports is important to help companies in these difficult and troubled times. There is an appropriate mix of supports in place to address the needs of companies. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, has stated the use of a mix of grants, loans, equity and support is important, but it is not all about grants. We must also support companies with loans. On the accessibility of funds, we are continuously encouraging companies to apply for loans through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, SBCI, and Microfinance Ireland, MFI. It is a straightforward process and we encourage firms to apply for these supports and to apply now. It is important that they do so. It is not necessary to draw down funds unless they are required. It is important to make that point.

A number of comments were made on the uptake of supports. It is important to highlight the Brexit loan scheme, to which many Deputies referred. They were 860 applications, of which 774 were approved by the SBCI. A total of 204 loans progressed to approval stage at bank level, to the value of €45 million. Of the approved applications to date, 154 were reapplications as eligibility expires after four months. It is important to note that point. The same applies to the future growth loan scheme which attracted 1,638 applications, of which 1,551 were approved by the SBCI. A total of 376 loans were approved at bank level, to the value of €64 million. I refer to other similar schemes such as the Brexit score card and the Be Prepared grants scheme. All of these initiatives are important in our preparations to ensure companies will be prepared in the event that there is a no-deal Brexit. Deputy Munster referred to the Border counties. Brexit shocks will affect all regions and it is important that support be given where demand arises.

Returning to the Bill, from which we have strayed, it is about providing support by increasing the range of supports available to Enterprise Ireland and MFI. Throughout the interdepartmental system which encompasses all workers, an early warning system has been put in place to assist where there are problems. Intreo offices stand ready to help workers to make the most of labour market opportunities through the establishment of short-term schemes and the provision of necessary training. The offices play an important role.

Given the type of jobs coming into the country, it is important to point out that we may need upskilling and training for workers. Such training is available. Yesterday morning, I saw the enthusiasm and energy of the various stakeholders in Shannon. As a result of the proposed closure of the Molex firm, all the stakeholders, including the universities, the agencies and the industrial sector, got together and stated they would ensure that these workers will be either retrained or skilled and they would ensure that they would get them jobs. Such enthusiasm is evident in every region when an emergency like that occurs. Of course, it is a difficult time for workers and their families.

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is to be extended to encompass Brexit shocks as well. The EU is presently working with the European Union Solidarity Fund as well to extend that. There is a lot happening out there.

I could go through various other areas there as well, particularly in respect of Brexit supports, but I do not have time for that. Projects in the Border counties have received over €10 million to date. The projects were funded by the north-west Border region of Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim and they have received over €5.2 million in funding, while the north-east region of Cavan, Monaghan and Louth has received €5.4 million. We are working to ensure that the Border regions, which are most vulnerable as a result of a possible hard Brexit, are assisted to ensure that companies there are assisted along the way.

Of course, it is important to point out, as I stated in my speech, it is about helping companies that are viable but vulnerable. It is important that we ensure that any funding, given from the taxpayers or wherever, is given constructively to ensure these companies can remain viable, move forward and meet any Brexit shocks.

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