Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that funding is allocated from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve for primary farm producers, in view of the challenges posed by Brexit for the farming sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31481/23]
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 BAR 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.
I have applied these criteria when identifying impacts from Brexit on the agriculture and fisheries sectors. To date some €278m has been allocated to my Department for schemes to support the agriculture and fisheries sectors in addressing negative impacts of Brexit.
This includes funding for measures to support livestock and horticulture farmers (including specific schemes for the mushroom and potato sectors) as well as our fishers and fishing communities.
I remain committed to considering additional measures which seek to address negative impacts on producers which can be clearly attributed to Brexit and which meet the eligibility criteria of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. It is important to highlight however that as the eligibility period for BAR funding closes at the end of this year any such negative impacts and proposed measures to address these impacts are identified and submitted to my Department as soon as possible.
