I propose to take Questions Nos. 1360 and 1386 together.
Regarding the Agriculture De Minimis Regulation (1408/2013), the question of greater flexibility of the State Aid rules and increasing the individual de minimis thresholds has been raised at the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 14 March 2016, 11 April 2016 and 17 May 2016 as a means to address the challenges facing the farming sector. Regarding the Council of Agriculture Ministers, on 14 March 2016, a 10 point plan, setting out proposed measures, that were practical, easily implemented and responded to the pressures on farmers and primary producers in an appropriate and proportionate way, was proposed. Among the measures proposed, was greater flexibility in the State Aid rules, with a modest increase in the de minimis limit from €15,000 per farmer over three years, up to €20,000 per farmer over three years.
Regarding Brexit, I and my Department officials are very aware of the difficulties being experienced across the agrifood sector and are continually working on developing solutions to help farmers address these difficulties. I recently met with Commissioner Hogan to express my concerns regarding the difficulties for Irish farmers and I will be making proposals to the Commission in this regard.
In addition, my Department officials are working closely with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in considering appropriate measures for the wider agri-food sector.