Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 December 2016
115. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance the discussions that he has had with his European counterparts in respect of establishing an EU reform fund to protect vulnerable countries from the negative impact of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40559/16]
View answerSince the referendum outcome, I have met with my EU counterparts at the monthly Ecofin and Eurogroup meetings, most recently at the December meetings which took place on the 5-6 December. In line with the agreement at EU level, there have been and will be no negotiations with the UK until Article 50 has been triggered.
I have taken the opportunity, in exchanges with EU partners, to underline Ireland's unique relationship with the UK. As the Deputy will be aware, the key issues for Ireland, associated with the referendum outcome, including our close economic relationship with the UK, have been articulated on numerous occasions by me and other members of the Government.
The Irish Government's position on Brexit was outlined in meetings with the Head of the Commission Taskforce on Brexit in Dublin on 12 October. Close engagement with the Taskforce continues at official level. In our engagement with the Taskforce we have made them aware that Brexit is already having an impact on the Irish economy, and of the disproportionate consequences posed by Brexit to the Irish economy overall in comparison to other Member States.
In the context of Brexit, it is more important than ever that the EU continues to support economic growth and employment. In this regard, I would point out that the €150 million Agri Cash Flow Support Loan Fund, as announced on Budget Day, is supported by EU Budget and European Investment Fund (EIF) funding. In addition the opening of the new European Investment Bank (EIB) office in Dublin on 12 December will also help steer future EIB investment activity in Ireland, including for SMEs.
