Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
418. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the work conducted by her Department to identify the potential impacts of Brexit on those in receipt of social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33302/17]
View answer419. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the development of sectorial response plans to Brexit; the publication date of these plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33345/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
Following on from publication of the document setting out the Government's approach to the Brexit negotiations, work is underway across departments to prepare adaptive Sectoral Brexit Response Plans to mitigate emerging sectoral challenges. These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders, and will encompass the following themes:
- Sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- Policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- Prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- Realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;
- Making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
All of this work is ongoing and must also respond to the emerging developments in the Brexit negotiations. There is no decision as yet on publication dates.
The Department is continuing with its assessment of the implications for relevant social security schemes and services including pensions, Child Benefit and services between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland. This is part of the ongoing Brexit analysis for input into the Government’s wider deliberative process. Clearly, however, this analysis will have to be informed by the UK’s intentions in this area.
It is very important to emphasise that the current arrangements for social security between Ireland and the UK, and the UK and EU27, have not changed. All social welfare payments continue to be paid as normal.
I can strongly reiterate that this Government’s long-term objective is to ensure that the reciprocity of civil rights and social welfare rights and entitlements which currently exist for Irish and UK citizens moving within Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain, under the Common Travel Area are preserved and maintained
