Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1563. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the details of funding allocations made to date under the BREXIT Adjustment Reserve Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13119/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) provides financial support to the most affected Member States to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial and, where appropriate, environmental consequences of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
Expenditure under the Reserve must demonstrate a direct link to the negative impact of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, and failure to do so will see the European Commission deem expenditure ineligible.
In 2022, €40m was allocated for Brexit related purposes for the fisheries sector (€33.2m), the horticultural sector (€1.5m), and €5.3m was provided to fund an Enterprise Ireland capital investment scheme for meat and dairy processing. The latter scheme will support investments aimed at product and market diversification.
In 2023, €238m is allocated for Brexit related purposes, including further supports for the fisheries sector (€162.15m), the horticultural sector (€9.85m). €17 million is provided to fund an Enterprise Ireland capital investment scheme for meat and dairy processing;
In addition, €20m has been allocated to develop facilities for the disposal of meat and bone meal by-product and €28m has been allocated for a Brexit beef scheme and my officials are currently considering the design of this scheme.
My Department is actively considering other proposals, and in this regard is working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to maximise the funding from BAR that is available to the various sectors that come under the remit of my Department.
