Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
583. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to further strengthen the Brexit contingency fund announced in budget 2020 (details supplied) in order that these funds are supplemented in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29588/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra589. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of measures he is taking to further strengthening the Brexit contingency fund announced in budget 2020, which allocated €110 million to agriculture in order that these funds are supplemented in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 589 together.
My Department's Brexit preparedness work has resulted in various supports being introduced over successive budgets to help the agrifood and fisheries sectors mitigate the impact of Brexit. These measures were aimed at enhancing competitiveness and market and product diversification and included low cost loan schemes, supports for Bord Bia and Teagasc, direct aid for farmers and capital funding for the food industry.
The impact of Brexit on the agricultural sector is being kept under ongoing review. In this regard the Government’s Brexit Readiness Action Plan, published last month, confirms that further measures to support affected sectors will be considered over the coming months.
I also welcome the Multi-Annual Financial Framework agreement reached in July by Heads of State and Government, which includes a €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve for those Member States and sectors most affected by Brexit. I will work to ensure that the agrifood sector gets an adequate allocation from that funding.
Decisions on funding for my Department for 2021 will be made in the context of the Annual Budgetary process.
