Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which efforts continue to be made to ensure that business on the island of Ireland does not suffer from Brexit and that every effort is made to ensure the economic future of farming and business interests across the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47417/21]
View answerSince 2016, the Government has dedicated substantial time and resources into preparing for Brexit. This intensive effort across Departments and agencies included the development of two Brexit Omnibus Acts; three Brexit Action Plans; substantial investment in the State’s infrastructure and IT systems (including provision for 1,500 additional staff to support new checks and controls); and the provision of financial, upskilling and advisory supports for impacted sectors and businesses. Our readiness work continues to be underpinned by a strong communications and outreach programme.
I can assure the Deputy the Government is very much aware of the challenges that Brexit brings for businesses, in particular for the agri-food and farming sector on the island of Ireland. Support teams from across Government continue to engage directly with companies, representative organisations or individuals to help them navigate challenges caused by Brexit. This ranges from 24-hour in-person support at Dublin Port, to a huge offering of webinars and online guidance providing targeted, sector-specific advice. Ministers continue to meet with stakeholders across a range of fora. There is further detail on all our supports at Gov.ie/Brexit.
Brexit presents additional challenges and costs for the agrifood sector and our rural economy with further changes for exporters coming next year when the UK introduces its new import controls. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is devoting considerable time and resources to assisting all companies to prepare. It is vital that exporters use the time available to get ready for these new controls.
Furthermore, the allocation of resources from the €1 billion allocation Ireland has received from the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve will focus on the most impacted sectors. Allocations from the BAR are being aligned with the annual estimates process.
The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland means that no new procedures apply to the movement of goods, including agri-food goods, between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or the rest of the EU. This presents opportunities for Northern Ireland and for the all island economy. We continue to encourage the UK to work in partnership with the EU in a spirit of positive and constructive engagement in order to identify pragmatic and sustainable solutions to the outstanding issues around the implementation of the Protocol.
