Industry & Business

The Government has published an independent study by Copenhagen Economics examining the impact of Brexit on Ireland’s trade and economy. The study examines the implications and quantifies the impact of possible new barriers to trade which might emerge as a result of Brexit. It considers a range of possible Brexit scenarios – an EEA-type scenario, a customs union-type scenario, and FTA scenario and a worst case, WTO scenario.

Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation, said: “The Government is already taking steps to ensure that the impact of Brexit is minimised. The study is there to guide us and help us to prevent the worst from happening. We commissioned it so that we can quantify the potential impacts of different Brexit scenarios, and get hard facts on what sectors will be most impacted by those different scenarios. The information will help to inform our negotiating position, together with our ongoing domestic response to Brexit, which has been evolving since the UK vote and will continue to evolve in the times ahead.

“Without a doubt, the study underlines the importance of a satisfactory transition period and exit deal. The Government is utterly determined to get the best possible deal for the Irish people, negotiating as part of the EU 27, and in full support of chief negotiator, Michel Barnier.”

Minister Humphreys continued: “It is important to remember that the analysis is undertaken on the basis of a ‘no policy response’. In reality, there has already been extensive planning and action across Government to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities associated with Brexit. It is also important to be clear that our economy is growing with a resilient enterprise sector. The study does not predict a contraction in our economy but rather a lower growth rate than would be otherwise expected over the long term.”

The study identifies the best and worst case scenarios where the impact could be minimised. An EEA scenario would be least damaging gradually reducing GDP growth by 2.8% by 2030. A WTO scenario would have the most impact gradually reducing GDP growth by 7% by 2030.

Five sectors account for 90% of the impact – Agri-food, Pharma-chemicals, Electrical Machinery, Wholesale & Retail, and Air Transport. The rise of non-tariff barriers – specifically due to regulatory divergence – is the main factor driving the results.

Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation.

Minister Humphreys added: “We are acutely aware that certain sectors are particularly exposed to Brexit. That is why, among other supports, we will be rolling out a new €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme in late March, which will be open to all sectors, with at least 40% of low interest loans being made available to the agri-food sector. We are also developing a Longer-Term Loan Scheme, and announced a €25 million Brexit Response Loan Scheme for the agri-food sector in Budget 2018.”

Minister Humphreys outlined important steps already being taken by Government to prepare our economy for Brexit including in Budget 2017 & 2018, and the Action Plan for Jobs 2017 & 2018 (to be published shortly).

In terms of her own Departmental and agencies’ response she said that ‘Building Stronger Business’ published last November outlines initiatives to help firms to compete, enable firms to innovate, and support firms to trade; and, commits Government to negotiating for the best possible outcome. Key DBEI initiatives include:

• An extra €6 million in funding for the Enterprise Agencies, in 2017 & 2018, to recruit up to 100 additional staff, specifically to assist in responding to Brexit;
• Roll-out of Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund with a 2nd Call for Proposals with funding of €30m in Q1 2018;
• The aforementioned €300m Brexit Loan Scheme announced as part of Budget 2018, together with the development of proposals for a Longer-Term Loan Scheme, as well as a new Business Advisory Hub service;
• Enterprise Ireland (EI) is working directly with clients most exposed to Brexit, providing the necessary supports and expertise to help them navigate immediate challenges. This includes the Brexit SME Scorecard, the Be Prepared Funding and the Market Discovery Fund;
• A series of Brexit Advisory Clinics are also being held across the country to support businesses affected by Brexit in taking action to reduce their exposure;
• EI will also increase exports to Eurozone by 50% by 2020, reducing overall UK exposure.
• A €4.25 million increase in SFI’s budget in 2018 for a new Research Centre bringing to 17 the number of large scale Research Centres. SFI is working to identify potential opportunities for Ireland in the context of EU-funded researchers wishing to relocate post-Brexit and is strengthening the research collaborations with the UK and Northern Ireland;
• An additional 100 staff allocation to EI and IDA to grow exports, establish new markets, and secure additional inward investment.

Government initiatives include:

• In Budget 2018, a €25 million Brexit Response Loan Scheme was announced for the agri-food sector, additional supports for capital investment in the food industry and Bord Bia marketing and promotion activities;
• Additional capital expenditure allocation of €4.3 billion over four years will allow State and its agencies to properly plan major infrastructure projects while ensuring that communities and businesses can plan ahead;
• Increased DFAT funding for opening of six new diplomatic missions as part of Global Footprint 2025, will assist our exporters find new markets. The Taoiseach has also indicated his intention to double our global footprint over the next 7 years, in terms of the presence of Irish embassies and agencies overseas;
• Brexit is a critical factor in longer-term economic strategy – a new 10-year Capital Plan to be launched this Friday, revising Enterprise 2025 and in active discussions with EIB for a potential increase in investment in the country.