Written answers

Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Brexit Issues

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department continues to monitor issues arising from Brexit which may have a positive or negative impact on foreign direct investment and consequent job creation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22985/17]

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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88. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her Department's role in encouraging businesses relocating from Britain to Ireland; if she will report on meetings she is having with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government with regard to possible locations and infrastructure for organisations and businesses being liaised with, with a view to relocating here from the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22957/17]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 88 together.

My Department and its Agencies continue to monitor and assess carefully the various issues in connection with Brexit that may impact on foreign direct investment and employment in Ireland. We also regularly engage directly with companies regarding concerns they have surrounding the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Our focus remains on taking steps to mitigate the potentially adverse consequences Brexit may have for our economy whilst also ensuring that Ireland is well-placed to capitalise on the opportunities that might emerge.

The IDA is working hard to convert the interest shown to date by potential investors into investments on the ground here in Ireland. This process involves engaging with companies, both at home and abroad, in connection with various issues associated with locating or expanding in Ireland.

Convincing companies to invest here is a delicate process that requires perseverance and patience. This is especially the case with regard to Brexit-related investment on account of the various political considerations at play.  I am confident, however, that we will attract more FDI – and with it more jobs – to Ireland.

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to assist companies that are very heavily dependent on Northern Ireland and Britain as their export market in view of the particular difficulties arising due to Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23037/17]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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My Department’s agencies are actively supporting companies to prepare for Brexit.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) is in in regular contact with some 600 clients who are most reliant on the UK market. A key focus is to support companies in sustaining and growing exports to the UK while also supporting diversification into new markets.

The EI #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ was launched in March.  The Scorecard is an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit. 

EI has introduced a ‘Be Prepared Grant’ which offers up to €5,000 for exporting client companies to conduct further research and  use external expertise to develop a Brexit Action Plan.  On May 3rd, EI commenced a Brexit Regional Roadshow to raise further awareness of the potential impact of Brexit and encourage companies to start preparations now.

The Local Enterprise Offices Brexit-focus include a National Lean for Micro Initiative to improve competitiveness; mentoring and training initiatives; and awareness raising including workshops and cross-border business networking.

InterTrade Ireland is also undertaking initiatives for SMEs trading across the border including the provision of advice and supports for capability building.

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