Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019
59. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the talks that have taken place at EU level and commitments sought and secured in relation to state aid and EU financial support post-Brexit to assist Ireland; if no talks have taken place and no commitments sought, his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2237/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaking the case for supporting measures at EU level that recognise where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy is a key pillar of the Government’s response to Brexit.
There is a firm understanding at EU level of the unique and disproportionate impact that Brexit will have on Ireland. This has been reflected in a number of concrete measures and commitments to date, such as the EIB’s support for the Government’s Brexit Loan Scheme. In its Contingency Action Plan of 13 November, the European Commission confirmed that it would support Ireland in finding solutions addressing the specific challenges of Irish businesses.
In March last year, EU Commissioner Gunther Oettinger visited Dublin and met with the Taoiseach, Minister Donohoe and Minister of State D’Arcy to discuss the negotiations on the EU’s post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). In the same visit, I met with him to discuss the negative consequences to the Irish economy resulting from Brexit, and the possibility of EU assistance was raised.
In November 2017, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation met with Commissioner Vestager (European Commissioner for Competition) to discuss, amongst other issues, the impact of Brexit on Irish businesses. As a result of this meeting, a Technical Working Group comprising representatives from DG Competition, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was established to assist in the scope and design of schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit. Minister Humphreys will meet with Commissioner Vestager (DG Competition) in Dublin on 24 January where State Aids issues and the scope for flexibilities will be further discussed.
