Irish Exporters Association calls on the new Government to get to work at pace

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) this evening welcomed the formation of the new Government as a step towards bringing a greater degree of certainty to Irish businesses as the COVID-19 economic fallout becomes realised and Brexit looms in the coming months. The Association has ramped up its awareness of the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the UK among its membership as businesses grapple with efforts to reopen and implement practices to curb the further spread of the virus, while also facing the economic impact that has been left to date.

The representative body is ready to work with the incoming Government and assist with an export led recovery. Exporters have played a fundamental role in economic crises of the past and this is no different. The establishment of a State backed Export Credit scheme, access to liquidity and the continuation of the Temporary Wage Subsidy scheme are just some of the measures that the IEA would like the Government to address. The IEA welcomes commitments made to climate action and sees these measures as an opportunity for supply chain actors.

 Simon McKeever Chief Executive commented: “Businesses need certainty. At a time when everything seems uncertain, an operative Government is needed to continue the work of the outgoing one.

 I welcome today’s formation however, I would call on the Government to get to work with pace and reach out to stakeholders that have made an important contribution to the outgoing Government’s response to Brexit and COVID-19.

 Much of the talks ahead of the political parties’ vote centred on climate change. As the European Climate Law is currently being negotiated at EU level, which aims to ensure that Europe is the first climate neutral continent by 2050, we understand that the implementation of ambitious measures and policies to address the climate crisis are inevitable and we need to act sooner rather than later.

 Whilst we need to continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on our businesses, I am getting increasingly concerned about the state of preparedness for Brexit.  There have been a number of developments in the last few months that have implications for traders and we need to bring a sharp focus back to it – and rapidly.

 I look forward to partnering with the new Government in the challenging months ahead and call for stability in a time when businesses badly need it.”