George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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258. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to set out the supports to small businesses whose trade has been affected by the recent uncertainty created by the United States tariff changes for goods being imported into the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33308/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been preparing for tariffs and economic shocks and we are working with our dedicated agency supporting Irish businesses, Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has established a bespoke team which is currently engaging with SMEs, supporting businesses around tariffs and mitigation measures, as well as offering advice and support on diversification measures.

The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, stands ready to support Irish exporters through its current range of supports and our focus is on assisting businesses in developing a response to trade tariffs. Through its team in Ireland and across its seven offices in the US, Enterprise Ireland is working with Irish companies and business owners by providing the latest in strategic market intelligence, information and resources through webinars, and guidance on accessing advisory and financial supports.

Enterprise Ireland has published a Trade Disruption Checklist. This is a practical tool for SMEs to assess their exposure to tariffs and prepare mitigation strategies, including mapping trade flows and understanding customs classifications

Market diversification remains a key priority, as it has been for decades, and which has seen significant success. There are 190 overseas market advisers employed by Government through Enterprise Ireland, with 156 of these being outside of the US.

My Department provides funding for dedicated schemes and grants, including a strategic consultancy grant for expert advice to support SMEs to internationalise. Enterprise Ireland have an existing market discovery fund already open and I will be pro-actively engaging with businesses to make them aware of these supports and ensure they are accessed at scale.

I recognise that this is a dynamic and evolving situation, and it will be closely monitored. A key element of the Government’s response is the forthcoming Action Plan on Market Diversification, currently being developed jointly by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This plan will assess the range of supports available to help Irish businesses diversify their market outlets and supply chains.

My Department will continue to work closely with the enterprise agencies to ensure that SMEs as the backbone of our economy have the tools, resources, and strategic support they need to succeed in a challenging and competitive global environment.