Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2019
188. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the new market disturbance measures under EU Regulation 1308/13, Article 219/221 are required in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8658/19]
View answerI and my officials have been working very hard for quite some time to sensitise other Member States and the European Commission to the potentially very severe impacts of Brexit on the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors, and to the likelihood of specific supports, including exceptional reasons under EU Regulation 1308/13, being required in order to deal with these impacts. The institutions of the European Union are very well aware of the likelihood of a significant impact of a disorderly Brexit on Ireland’s economy because this has been part of the discussion from the beginning, and indeed this is explicitly recognised in the Commission’s own communication on contingency planning.
Most recently, I held a bilateral meeting with Commissioner Hogan at the end of January to discuss the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors. We discussed the unique exposure of these sectors to the threat of a disorderly Brexit, and the challenges that it could present. I stressed the need to be ready to deploy a range of measures to mitigate the potential impacts on farmers and processors, including through traditional market supports and exceptional aid under the CAP's Single Common Market Organisation regulation, and increased flexibility under State Aid regulations. Commissioner Hogan reiterated the EU’s readiness to respond and support Ireland, and we will remain in contact on these issues.
Subsequently there was a meeting between officials from my Department and from the Commission to explore possible support measures that may be required in the event of a no deal Brexit on 29 March 2019. The officials will remain in contact on these issues as the situation evolves.
