While I have discussed the implications of Brexit with a number of my counterparts at the Council of Agriculture Ministers, the issue of support has been discussed bilaterally with the Commission. This is an issue which must be dealt with carefully and at the appropriate time, and in a manner consistent with the European Commission's overall approach to the negotiations, which are yet to commence.
I have raised the matter informally with Commissioner Hogan, and he has indicated his readiness to consider same.
In the meantime, the deputy will be aware of the many support measures already in place to support the agri-food sector in dealing with the impact of the fall in the value of sterling against the euro. These include additional funding for Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, increased expenditure on the Rural Development Programme and the Seafood Development Programme, agri-taxation measures and the recently-launched €150 million low-cost loan scheme, which uses Ireland's most recent EU aid of €11 million to leverage significant funding to help deal with the immediate impact of Brexit.
