Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2018

Thursday, 25 January 2018

Ceisteanna (174)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

174. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the €25 million allocated in budget 2018 for the development of further Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and food businesses in 2018 will open for applications; the length of time the fund will remain open for applications; the minimum and maximum amounts permitted to be loaned; the collateral requirements; if funds will be loaned to farmers for the purchase of livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3877/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The successful “Agriculture Cashflow Loan Scheme” has provided a template for publicly-assisted loan schemes. This includes the “Brexit Loan Scheme”, which I expect to launch shortly with my colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

I also announced in Budget 2018 that I had secured funding of €25 million for my Department to facilitate the development of potential Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses. These are currently under active consideration and I will announce more details as they become available.