A new study has found that 63% of Irish firms believe that the introduction of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would hurt their business.

A further 14% are unsure whether they would be impacted by new custom controls and 23% say that their trade would not be affected - according to a new survey conducted by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

55% believe that Brexit will have a negative impact on their business - regardless of border considerations. Only 19% think they will suffer no impact as the UK leaves the EU.

NSAI is the national standards and measurement body. It released this data as 24 organisations, with offices or facilities in 15 different countries gathered in Dublin today for a special ceremony marking their achievement in becoming certified after meeting world-class standards in a number of areas.

NSAI Chief Executive Geraldine Larkin commented on the benefits of pursuing these certificates: 

"Certification helps support businesses as they develop and grow. Additionally, standards help to create a greater sense of pride within an organisation, increase staff satisfaction and improve staff retention.

"With Brexit looming, it appears that British pre-qualification requirements for tendering may begin to demand certification to ISO international standards as a prerequisite. I urge all Irish organisations who may be considering this route to be prepared," she added.

Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD attended today's event. "Achieving certification takes hard work and dedication. It can only occur when a team of smart, competent, dedicated people work together, but it also takes great leadership and a team effort," he commented.