James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Okay. I welcome the concentration of resources and effort on this matter. However, I must flag the necessity for collaboration and co-operation within various Departments on this matter. The Brexit decision has many facets, including the North-South and east-west dimensions, as well as international relations and the EU negotiations themselves. The particular focus of my question, however, is on the risk to jobs and industry, as well as other economic factors which come within the remit of the Minister's Department.

Brexit is here and it is real, so we will have to deal with the consequences. It is worth recalling some of the figures involved. Some 400,000 jobs depend on trade between Ireland and the UK. For small Irish businesses seeking to expand, the UK is usually the first target market, as it is for 43% of our exports. The UK is our nearest neighbour and largest trading partner. The consequences of Brexit, while worrying, must be dealt with now that they are here.

I agree with ISME's call for a dedicated unit within the Department to co-ordinate activities related to the challenges and opportunities arising from the Brexit decision. Many other bodies have also called for a co-ordination of such activities.

I was concerned by a reply to a parliamentary question tabled by my colleague, Deputy Niall Collins-----

See this speech in context