Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We have sectoral analyses under way. All of the different options have been examined. We want to increase our student numbers to 176,500 by the academic year 2019-20 and to intensify and diversify 80% of indigenous export growth to 2020 to be outside of the UK market and to maintain exports of at least €7.5 billion to the UK. These are the issues on which we are following through.

In response to Deputy Martin's question, all of the options have been examined. The Deputy is correct that trade is the issue. In regard to the negotiations that are to take place the nature of the trading relationship is still not clear. The document from President Tusk is going through the 27 and will be signed off on, hopefully, on 29 April. The document sets out the ground work and foundations of what will happen. This goes back to the issue of full membership of the Customs Union, partial membership of the Customs Union, no deal and the consequences of that for tariffs, as pointed out by the Deputy. In terms of where we are now, the letter triggering Article 50 has been put in place; an initial response has been issued by the European Union and the foundation document on the discussions and negotiations that will take place has been issued. It remains to be seen what the eventual outcome will be.

We launched the new trade, tourism and investment strategy entitled, Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World. We have also made it clear that 135,000 of the 200,000 to be created by 2020 will be outside the Dublin region. In regard to Deputy Haughey's point that Dublin is not ready for Brexit, I know there will be serious investment here by the different financial sectors but it will not all happen in 18 months. A bank deciding to locate here will have to go through a regulatory process in regard to licensing and so on. The Minister for Finance has made arrangements for the European Central Bank to provide expert personnel if that is needed.

In regard to the ports issue raised by Deputy Howlin, the Minister has already pointed out that following the opening of the European Investment Bank office in Dublin there are opportunities here for major pieces of infrastructure and there will be an income stream to deal with those loans. Again, much depends on the trading relationship and whether tariffs will apply at ports because that could change the economic model of the port to be involved. Rosslare is a case in point.

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