Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 May 2018
56. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he has requested an economic impact report on the potential effect of Brexit on the Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19078/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Rural Development, which was published in January 2017, envisaged that a piece of research would be commissioned on the impact of Brexit on rural areas.
However, in the time since the publication of the Action Plan, a number of papers and commentaries have been published on the potential impact of Brexit on Ireland, including rural Ireland and the Border counties. In addition, a number of sectorial workshops on the issue have been held with local communities and other stakeholders by several Government Departments.
Given the volume of research that has been published on the subject of the impact of Brexit I have elected not to commission the carrying out of further research by my Department. However, the Government is continuing to work, through various State agencies, to provide support and advice to businesses on how to prepare for and address the possible impacts of Brexit on all areas of the country.
