Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018
224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which his Department monitors the impact of Brexit on the public and private sectors with a view to addressing such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13544/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a whole of Government approach is being adopted to addressing the impacts of Brexit. Detailed work is taking place across Departments and in State agencies to prepare for the UK’s exit from the EU. This includes contingency planning for all Brexit scenarios; engagement with stakeholders; support to companies from the enterprise agencies; and work to exploit any opportunities that arise from Brexit.
Within my own Department a dedicated Brexit/EU/North South Unit is responsible for coordinating the response to Brexit across the Department and it plays a full role in the cross-Department structures that support the work of Government. Brexit issues are also addressed by staff in relevant areas across the Department.
The risks arising from Brexit are reflected in the Government’s National Risk Assessment, which identifies areas where Brexit poses a specific risk, particularly in relation to the economy. This approach is reflected in my own Department’s Statement of Strategy for 2016-2019 and also in its Risk Register.
Policy decisions in support of the Government's approach to Brexit arise across a wide range of areas, including the annual budgetary process; the new 10-year National Development Plan; the Action Plan for Jobs; the Trade and Investment Strategy; the review of the Enterprise 2025 policy; and sectoral policies and investment decisions in areas such as agriculture, enterprise, transport, communications and energy.
