Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
194. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Brexit supports provided by his Department for the agri-foods industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25999/22]
View answerMy Department has introduced a range of measures, across a range of sectors, to help farmers, fishers and agri-food businesses to respond to the challenges posed by Brexit.
From a fisheries perspective, I have announced a number of measures in keeping with the recommendations of the Seafood Task Force, including a €32.7 million investment in public marine infrastructure around the Irish coast, voluntary tie-up schemes amounting to a total of €34 million, and a €45 million Seafood Processing Capital Support Scheme.
In late 2021, the Tánaiste and I announced a €70 million Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agricultural Products, which will enable companies in the meat and dairy sectors to develop and diversify in response to Brexit. Earlier this week, I announced a €3 million scheme for the seed potato sector, and the potential for other supports across all sectors is continuing to be examined.
In addition, my Department, in partnership with other Government Departments and with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, has put in place a number of financial support mechanisms for farmers, fishers and agri-food businesses to support them in navigating the uncertainties created by Brexit.
Most recently, the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme, launched late last year, provides loans to Brexit-impacted Irish businesses for working capital, investment and re-financing. Loans ranging from €25,000 to a maximum of €1.5 million are available for terms of between one and six years. The initial tranche of the scheme provides a budget of €140 million, with an option to extend by a further €190 million.
In addition to these direct financial support measures, my Department has also invested heavily in helping the sector to prepare for changes in the trading environment with UK. This has included investment in new IT systems, recruitment of additional veterinary and technical resources, and direct training for businesses on new systems and processes.
My Department has also provided additional funding to Bord Bia in recent Budgets to support their activities in promoting Irish agri-food products on the UK market, as well as their work in developing alternative markets for these products.
This range of measures shows the Government's commitment to supporting the Irish agri-food sector in navigating the impacts of Brexit. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to monitor these impacts, and we will ensure that the sector continues to receive the necessary support.
