The full implications of the UK’s departure from the EU remain to be seen but clearly will be significant. This is why the Government has been working to prepare for Brexit for several years. Our total Brexit related expenditure since the UK referendum on EU membership is now more than €1 billion.
Within my Department Brexit issues are coordinated by a dedicated Unit dealing with EU, Brexit and international issues, with an attaché based in Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels. The Unit leads on EU and international work across the Department and its agencies, and represents the Department on the various groups that coordinate the Government's response to Brexit.
One of my Department’s principal Brexit priorities is the EU funding available to Ireland under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The purpose of the Reserve is to help counter the adverse economic and social consequences of Brexit in the sectors and Member States that are worst affected.
Ireland will receive just over €1 billion of Brexit funding, the biggest single allocation for any Member State, representing just over 20% of the total fund. As the Member State most impacted by Brexit, it is appropriate that we would be the largest beneficiary.
BAR funding will be directed at areas such as enterprise supports; supports for the fisheries and agri-food sectors; reskilling and retraining; and checks and controls at our ports and airports.