Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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34. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her specific plans to minimise the impact of Brexit in County Donegal; and the engagement she has had with the IDA to ensure it secures new investment in County Donegal in view of Brexit. [14421/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Enterprise Ireland (EI), the Local Enterprise Offices and IDA Ireland are engaging on an ongoing basis with all client companies regarding the impacts being felt as a result of Brexit. They have clear plans in place to mitigate challenges and maximise opportunities arising from the UK decision.

In Budget 2017, I secured additional monies, both current and capital, to support the enterprise agencies’ strategic response to Brexit.

I have a particular focus on the trade implications for the border region and am heavily engaged with all stakeholders in the Region on an ongoing basis.

InterTrade Ireland also has a programme of initiatives to deal with the practical consequences of Brexit for cross-border trade.

The Regional Action Plan for the North East/North West, which has a strong Brexit focus, aims to support 28,000 new jobs across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth by 2020. There is strong progress to date, with 5,600 more people in employment across the region since the start of 2015.

Brexit is a standing item on the Regional Action Plan for Jobs implementation meetings.