Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2017
52. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to safeguard the interests of the agrifood and fishing sectors ahead of the UK’s move to leave the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28152/17]
View answerI fully recognise the potential difficulties that may arise in the agri-food and fisheries sectors from the UK Brexit vote. These sectors are of critical importance to our economy given their regional spread and the fact that they underpin the socio-economic development of rural areas in particular. I am determined to safeguard the interests of these vital sectors.
While the main impact to date of the Brexit vote has been the effect of sterling volatility on businesses that have a significant trading relationship with the UK, the medium to long term threats include the possible introduction of tariffs on trade between the EU and UK, potential divergences in regulations and standards between the EU and UK post-Brexit, and the implications of border controls and certification requirements. Difficult challenges also arise in relation to potentially restricted access to fishing grounds and resources. Ultimately the objective is to avoid these outcomes.
With a view to identifying common ground and building alliances for the negotiations ahead, I have held a series of bilateral meetings with EU counterparts. I also wish to ensure that agri-food and fisheries issues are at the top of the trade and economic agenda for the negotiation. My Department and I are also in regular contact with UK counterparts, both in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I have also had meetings with major UK retailers to assure them of the continued commitment of Irish suppliers to the UK market.
In all of these engagements I am making clear Ireland's demand for continued unfettered access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures, as well as keeping the UK market viable for Irish producers by minimising the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries. In relation to fisheries, Ireland wants to maintain current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal, and to protect our quota share for joint fish stocks
In the meantime my Department and its agencies have conducted various analyses of the likely impact of Brexit on the agri-food sector. This is an ongoing process, and will continue, including through extensive consultation with stakeholders via the Department's Stakeholder Consultative Committee and through the All-Island Civic Dialogue process, in respect of which I have already hosted five agri-food and fisheries sectoral dialogues.
Within my own Department, I have established a dedicated Brexit Co-ordination Unit and a Brexit Response Committee, to prepare for, monitor and respond to developments as required. These activites span almost all of my Department's administrative and control activities. As referred to earlier, I have also created a Stakeholder Consultative Committee, which is complemented by frequent contact with representative organisations and companies on an ongoing basis, and operates in parallel to the separate consultation structures under the All-Island Civic Dialogue.
Last October, as part of Budget 2017, I announced measures aimed at alleviating the exchange rate volatility pressures, which include the introduction of the ‘Agri Cashflow Support' loan fund of €150 million; enhanced taxation measures and the allocation of €2m additional funding to Bord Bia, in order to ensure that it is in a position to provide Brexit-related supports to affected companies, including through its new Brexit Barometer. I have also asked Bord Bia to conduct a market profiling exercise to provide a tool to assist exporters in identifying market priorities and to assist policy makers in prioritising market access objectives. I also provided for increased funding under the Rural Development Programme and Seafood Development Programme.
I wish to assure the House that the Government remains very focused on supporting the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead. I will continue to consult with the industry as the negotiations develop, and press Ireland's case for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
