Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to be able to tell the Deputy that sales of Irish food, drink and agricultural products generally have increased by 6% since last year. Amid the changes we are seeing, the industry continues to do well. On future supports I might put against it, that will be the outcome of the budgetary process which I am in the middle of. I can point out to the Deputy what I have already done. We have done three particular measures. First, we have looked to put more resources and support behind organisations like Bord Bia to allow them to continue with the work they are doing to target overseas markets. Second, we put a loan fund in place earlier in the year to make working capital available to farmers looking to diversify their businesses. Third, I have worked with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, to deal with matters particular to his Department. For example, we made additional funding available last year for particular rural development programme measures relating to sheep farming. All of this work has had an effect on the performance of Irish agriculture.

The Deputy asked whether I could publish details of contingency planning. I did not know the Deputy had submitted a freedom of information request, nor should I know. I was not involved in the decision-making process in relation to it nor should I have been. This is a matter that is entirely independent of me. I imagine one of the reasons for the refusal is that there is a provision within the freedom of information legislation on the deliberative process under way within Government in reaching decisions. Publishing work related to contingency planning would have two immediate effects. First, it would affect the negotiations under way at the moment.

We should think carefully about doing anything that might undermine what are incredibly sensitive negotiations.

It is best to lay out exactly how we plan to manage worst case scenarios in sensitive areas of the economy only when I can demonstrate that it is necessary to do so. It is important to discuss this with the country. I outlined to Deputy Michael McGrath what would be the effects of a disorderly Brexit. I can only give members a view because those effects are cushioned in great uncertainty. However, Brexit would cause major disruption for the economy. If I were to outline how we would deal with Brexit, it could undermine the sensitive work that is under way.