James Browne
Ceist:1926. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the post-Brexit contingency plans in place for future agrifood trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33616/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (1926)
Freagraí scríofa
The whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being co-ordinated through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Following the Government meeting last week, my Department is preparing detailed action plans which will be submitted to Government in the Autumn.
This work also takes account of the planning being undertaken at EU level by the Commission Preparedness Unit, which is issuing information notes aimed at different business sectors and examining legislative actions which may be needed at EU level.
However, the Government has been active in getting Ireland Brexit-ready for some time now. For example, dedicated measures were announced in Budget 2018, including a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme for Business (40% of which will be available to the agri-food sector) and a €25m Brexit Response Loan Scheme for farmers, fishermen and businesses. Bord Bia, aided by the significant additional funding that I have allocated to it since the UK referendum, continues to work with companies, providing practical help and advice and supporting their efforts to diversify their markets.
In addition, my Department has intensified its trade development efforts and I have led trade missions to China, the US and Canada earlier this year, and I intend leading an industry delegation to Indonesia and Malaysia in the Autumn.
My Department will continue to co-ordinate its work on this very important issue with that of other Departments.
Question No. 1927 answered with Question No. 1925.