Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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31. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the actions she has taken to work with InterTradeIreland to protect cross border trade in the wake of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14459/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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InterTradeIreland (ITI) will have an important role to play in protecting North-South trade following Brexit as the body is uniquely well-positioned when it comes to understanding the needs of businesses on both sides of the border. We will continue to support ITI's work as it takes steps to help clients deal with the uncertain business climate ahead.

ITI has already published material for companies providing helpful information connected to Brexit. It has also organised a series of information sessions to raise awareness amongst SMEs of the challenges that Brexit may likely present. Additional funding was secured as well for ITI for 2017 to enable it to roll out a range of new measures aimed at affording further practical assistance to companies engaged in cross-border trade.

In addition, my Department has provided specific funding to ITI to sponsor a research project, being undertaken by the ESRI, to examine the impact of differing trade regimes which may emerge in the post-Brexit environment. This study will include analysis of tariff rates and data on the current extent and concentration of cross-border trade. Work is continuing on this project.