Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department and its agencies are providing extensive supports to help businesses prepare for Brexit.

InterTrade Ireland (ITI) works with SMEs on an all-island basis and is especially well-positioned, given its remit to develop cross-border trade, to help SMEs prepare for the particular North-South challenges associated with Brexit. This has been a key priority for the body since the decision by the UK to leave the European Union in June 2016.

One of the principal means through which ITI is assisting businesses in preparing for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union is the body’s Brexit Advisory Service. Established in May 2017, it provides a focal point for SMEs working to navigate any changes in cross-border trading relationships that may arise. As part of the service, ITI has organised a series of awareness events focused on improving knowledge of customs processes and procedures and identifying actions that can be taken in areas such as logistics and supply chain management. ITI also offers a "Start to Plan" voucher, worth up to €2250 each, which helps companies to get professional advice on how best to plan and prepare for Brexit. To date, over 600 vouchers have been approved for companies and there have been over 750 enquiries to the Brexit Advisory Service.

ITI are planning to expand its range of Brexit supports in 2019. The new initiatives will include a ‘‘Start to Act’ voucher, valued at €5,000. The Brexit Advisory Service will also increase its digital learning delivery, making content available in an online training environment that can be conveniently accessed by SMEs.

To support this important work, my Department will provide an additional €1 million in capital funding to ITI in 2019. This funding will enable the body to engage with more of the companies that are seeking its support through the Brexit Advisory Service, as well as meeting demand for existing programmes which are all designed to promote and support cross-border trade.

As regards our wider efforts to help enterprise prepare for Brexit, significant additional financial resources have been provided to the enterprise agencies and regulatory bodies under my Department for 2019. This includes €5 million in further funding for the local enterprise offices to increase their Brexit supports to businesses in every county.

I want to emphasise that our preparations for Brexit remain an absolute priority for my Department. I know how important it is that businesses, across the country, are as best equipped as possible for the challenges that Brexit will present. All the agencies and bodies under my Department will continue to focus on this work into 2019 and beyond.