Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Programme B, which was previously programme D, provides the framework for the Department's role in securing Ireland's influence in the EU outcomes through maintaining and growing strong relationships with the EU institutions and other member states. Some of this has already been addressed. The focus of work under the programme will be on safeguarding Ireland's interests in the broader context of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union and the negotiations we expect to commence properly later this spring. The allocation for this programme in 2017 is €23.3 million, compared with €19.3 million in 2016. That is an increase of €3 million, which reflects the priority attached to Brexit.

The Government is under no illusion about the nature and scale of the Brexit challenge. Our preparations began more than two years ago. We enter the negotiations in a position of strength. Within my Department, a team of experienced senior officials, both in Dublin and abroad, is continuing to prepare intensively for what will be complex and detailed negotiations. Additional capabilities and resources are being assigned to cover the complex process of the withdrawal. Within the Department, additional resources have been assigned to the two key divisions, the EU division and the Ireland, UK and the Americas division, IUKA. In addition to extra posts at headquarters, specific additional staff have been assigned to our embassies in London, Berlin and Paris in addition to Brussels, as I stated. Every Department has developed a thorough impact assessment or analysis of the critical issues that need to be addressed. I have referred in the Dáil and this committee to my engagement at EU level. I will be happy to take questions in that regard.

Deputy Darragh O'Brien should note an allocation of €325,000 is included under this programme to support our EU engagement. This programme was transferred from the Department of the Taoiseach for 2017. This programme is also used to fund projects and proposals which further Ireland's EU related foreign policy priorities across a range of organisations. I will take questions and comments.