Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Ceisteanna (683)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

683. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific Council of EU Agriculture Ministers meeting at which he has made the case for the need for a Brexit financial support package for Irish farmers during the UK's two year exit phase from the EU and subsequent transition phase, specifically under Article 219 of the CMO Regulation; the date of every such meeting at which this was raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10070/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In the course of recent discussions I have raised the issue of EU support for the agrifood sector informally with Commissioner Hogan, and he has indicated his readiness to consider this. I and my officials are also continuing our engagement with the Commission and with other Member States in order to ensure that Ireland's concerns and requirements in relation to Brexit are fully understood.

In the meantime, the deputy will be aware of the many measures already in place to support the agrifood sector in dealing with the impact of the fall in value of sterling against the euro. These support measures 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.