Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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278. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to protect general trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland especially in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Donegal under the possibility of a hard Border following the UK referendum to leave the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3328/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Promoting cross-border trade in light of the potential impacts of Brexit is a key priority for the Government as a whole.

It is, of course, hard to predict at this stage what the impact of Brexit will be for all of Ireland, including the border counties.  Much will depend on the nature of the deal that will be negotiated between the UK and the EU. This Government will seek, during that process, to highlight our unique economic ties with Northern Ireland. 

It is clear that the cross-border market on the island is a particularly important one for SMEs, with nearly two thirds of Northern Ireland small firm exports going South and one sixth of Ireland’s small firm exports going North.

Inter Trade Ireland has initiated a research projectbeing undertaken by the ESRI to examine the impact of differing trade regimes which may emerge in the post-Brexit environment.  This study will include an analysis of tariff rates to look at the range of possible impacts for products currently traded between both jurisdictions.  It will also analyse data on the extent and concentration of Cross Border Trade as well as barriers to exporting.

Inter Trade Ireland has also undertaken a series of events for SMEs to raise awareness of Brexit issues, with more planned.  They have published information material for their companies setting out key challenges posed by Brexit.  Further initiatives by Inter Trade Ireland on this issue are also being developed for roll out later this year.

I am engaged strongly with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to ensure that Irish jobs are maintained and created. I am in constant communication with these agencies, and chair a Brexit Coordination Group, which includes the senior management of my Department and the CEOs of the agencies. As part of the Government’s ongoing dialogue with interested parties, I have organised a stakeholder engagement event on the 30^thof January, in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim. This will be an important event to hear the views of stakeholders, both directly and through representative bodies.

Enterprise Ireland is working with its 1,500 clients who export to the UK, looking at the individual challenges faced by companies in every county in Ireland and also on a sectoral level, as some sectors are more exposed than others.

From a strategic perspective, Enterprise Ireland has a two pronged approach. It is working to assist companies to maintain and grow UK exports and extend their international reach.  It is also supporting companies in enhancing their competitiveness to protect and grow Irish exports and jobs. In this regard, EI is assisting clients to improve their processes to drive efficiencies and cost reductions and undertake R&D and innovation with a view to improving existing products and processes or developing new ones.