Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. He has clearly outlined the importance of Brexit for the Irish agrifood sector and the fishing industry. I do not need to reiterate that the agrifood sector is the largest indigenous employer as we face the threat that Brexit poses, in particular to our beef industry, with more than half of beef exports, one third of our dairy exports and exports from other sectors going to the UK. It is important that the Minister and Government are taking every effort and action to prepare for the upcoming negotiations and for Brexit, but unfortunately the Minister's actions in this respect and his preparedness in regard to the Government's activities are not what they need to be.

Fianna Fáil has been watching very closely, and its spokespersons have been monitoring very closely, what the Government has been doing. For example, I have received responses to parliamentary questions showing that Bord Bia, which will play a critical role in identifying new markets, will only get four additional staff next year. The Minister's Brexit unit within the Department has only three staff and the consultative forum he set up has only met twice since it was established in July last year.

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