Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will ensure the committee will receive my full speaking note which I will try to summarise.

Programme B provides the framework for the Department's role in securing Ireland's influence in EU outcomes through maintaining and growing strong relationships with EU institutions and other member states. The focus of work under the programme in 2018 will be on safeguarding Ireland’s interests in the broader context of the Brexit negotiations, both with regard to the finals status of the United Kingdom outside the European Union and the future direction and policies of the Union. Equally, the programme supports Ireland’s contribution to the European Union's global engagement on peace, security, trade and development, as well as security in the wider European region.

The allocation for the programme in 2018 is €27.3 million, compared with a figure of €22.3 million in 2017. It represents an increase of €5 million or 17.5%, reflecting the top priority attached to Brexit and our place in Europe. I can go through in some detail where the money will go. We have had to gear up significantly for the challenge of Brexit and I hope members are seeing the results in how Ireland is negotiating. It has meant more people, infrastructure, time and travel to Brussels. We are also gearing up to ensure Ireland will have its say in the debate on the future of Europe. All of these tasks require more resources and that, essentially, is what is happening.