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Brexit Preparations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Questions (159, 172)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to make contingency plans to meet new exigencies arising from the ongoing situation of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24405/20]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures contemplated to minimise the impact of Brexit on the agricultural sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24419/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 172 together.

My Department's Brexit preparedness work has resulted in various supports being introduced over successive budgets to help the agri-food and fisheries sectors mitigate the impact of Brexit.

These include supports in the form of direct aid, as well as the provision of low-cost loans such as the €300 million Future Growth Loan Scheme. In addition, in 2019, my Department introduced the €100 million Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) in recognition of a very difficult year for the beef sector and a prolonged period of price uncertainty caused by various factors, including Brexit. 

The impact of Brexit on the agricultural sector will be kept under ongoing review. In this regard the recently published Brexit Readiness Action Plan confirms that further measures to support affected sectors will be considered over the coming months. I also welcome the Multi-Annual Financial Framework agreement reached in July by Heads of State and Government, which includes a €5 Billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve for those Member States and sectors most affected by Brexit. We will work to ensure that the agri-food sector gets an adequate allocation from that funding. 

My officials and I are continuing with our Brexit readiness work, within a whole-of-Government effort, to ensure the best possible outcome for the agri-food and fisheries sectors. Over the coming months, this will include increased engagement and more focused communication with stakeholders around readiness for whatever outcome emerges from the ongoing future relationship negotiations. 

Whatever that outcome may be, things will change, and agri-food businesses need to be preparing accordingly.

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