Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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586. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the companies supported by InterTradeIreland in 2018; the number of jobs supported by InterTradeIreland in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19363/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This year marks 20 years since InterTradeIreland (ITI) was founded. In that period, over 39,000 SMEs have benefitted from their programmes, support and assistance, resulting in 14,800 new jobs being created or protected. This has generated a business development value of over €1.2 billion and has made a major contribution to the enhancement of economic cooperation across the island.

While ITI's mandate does not have a specific focus on job creation, the body has nonetheless had a significant role in supporting and fostering employment. In 2018, 3,054 companies engaged in North South business through the body's trade and innovation activities & services. This had a total jobs impact of 2,043, which represents both new jobs created and the protection of existing positions as a direct result of company participation on an ITI programme.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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587. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the budget allocation for InterTradeIreland in 2018 and 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19364/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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InterTradeIreland (ITI), one of the six North-South Implementation Bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement, operates a range of enterprise support programmes to help develop cross border trade. The body is jointly funded by my Department and its Northern Ireland counterpart, the Department for the Economy.

In 2018, my Department's budget allocation to ITI was €8.125 million. In 2019 this was increased by 17.5% to a total of €9.145 million. The additional funding has helped ensure that ITI can meet demand for its services from companies seeking advice on how to prepare for Brexit. The Government will continue to support ITI's important work, and keep its budgetary requirements under review, in the period ahead.