Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

285. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will commission an independent report into the economic benefits a united Ireland economy would bring to the island of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27862/18]

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

286. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she has examined or is planning to examine the potential benefits a united Ireland would bring to business across the island of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27863/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.

Over the past year, and currently, my Department is focused on undertaking Brexit-related analysis to ensure that we continue to provide the supports required by Irish based enterprises as they navigate the uncertainties and challenges posed by Brexit. For example, we have undertaken research in relation to economic impacts, commissioned from Copenhagen Economics, implications arising for skills in a post Brexit context, firm level insights into the implications at a sector specific level, implications for imports as well as surveying SMEs in relation to Brexit. Intertrade Ireland also undertook research on the potential impact of WTO tariffs, and on cross border trade and supply chain linkages supported by my Department. This ongoing analyses  serves to inform policy in an evolving environment so that we meet the needs of businesses throughout the country, and help to inform ongoing negotiations. Our agencies continue to work closely with companies to tailor supports to meet their needs, and to capture opportunities to attract mobile investment.

I have no plans to commission research in relation to a united Ireland economy.