Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government has always been clear in its view that the UK's departure from the EU would have significant repercussions for Ireland politically, economically and socially, especially for the North and the Border counties. That is why Ireland's overall priorities - protecting the Northern Ireland peace process, which has been so hard fought; minimising the impact of Brexit on trade and the economy; maintaining the common travel area; and influencing the future of the EU - remain unchanged. It is important that we remain at the heart of the EU. All of the preparations that have been made ahead of the departure of the UK from the EU have focused on protecting and advancing the interests of Irish citizens in the context of this country’s continuing membership of the Union.

As Minister of State at the Department of Health, it is important for me to set out some of the principal potential impacts of Brexit for the health sector. I note that the UK has not yet left the EU and remains a member with all of its existing rights and responsibilities. This means there have been no immediate changes in the area of health care, nor are such changes expected during the negotiation period. Work is under way to examine and address any implications for the health sector in the longer term. We have two key priorities in that context: first, to ensure there is continuity in the provision of health services; and, second, to avoid changes in the current situation that would have a negative impact on the health of the citizens of this country.

The principal impacts of Brexit for the health sector cover a number of areas, including rights to health services and regulatory issues. One of our key concerns in the period ahead will be to ensure there is minimum disruption to health services and essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis. Our Border communities, in particular, have benefited from significant cross-Border health provisions and co-operation on health promotion. These interactions have been of practical benefit to many communities on the physical margins of the State and have helped to build the momentum of peace on this island. We will work to protect such arrangements between Ireland and the UK, including east-west arrangements, during the Brexit talks.

The common travel area has been in existence since Irish independence. It allows freedom of travel between the two jurisdictions for Irish and UK citizens and provides for largely reciprocal benefits of citizenship in terms of entitlements to reside, work and access services. This is of relevance for the health sector. The Irish and British Governments have consistently set out their desire to maintain these arrangements. On regulatory issues, it is clear that having a single set of rules across Europe is enormously helpful to protect human health, to ensure consumer protection and to provide a level playing field for industry. If the UK moves away from a harmonised regulatory system in relation to food safety standards, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics, it could disrupt trade between Ireland and the UK.

As well as preparing for the challenges posed by Brexit, Ireland is pursuing opportunities. For example, we are preparing to bid for the European Medicines Agency to relocate to Dublin. A move to Dublin would ensure minimum disruption to the work of the agency which is critically important for the health of all Europeans. Dublin is an English-speaking environment which offers excellent air connectivity with EU capitals and internationally. In addition, Ireland’s national medicines agency, the Health Products Regulatory Authority, already provides significant support to the agency. This can be rapidly scaled up in the event of relocation. The strength of the relationships between Ireland and Northern Ireland and the UK will be of benefit as we work to find solutions to any problems that arise in this context. I am absolutely committed to ensuring this co-operation continues in the interests of patient safety and population health.

I would like to conclude by speaking about agriculture. In 2014, the IFA calculated that the value of agricultural exports arising from agricultural output in County Meath was €493.8 million, or almost half of €1 billion. I have no doubt that this figure has since increased in line with the improvement in the economy. Farming is the lifeblood of rural Ireland. Farm family incomes help to keep shops, pubs and cafés open in places like Nobber and Skryne. In 2014, some 2,535 people in County Meath were employed in food and drinks processing jobs which stem from the agricultural products of the county. With new businesses like the Slane Castle distillery having opened since, I do not doubt that there are many more people employed in the food and drinks sector. This must be protected and expanded upon in the forthcoming talks and trade missions. This will be difficult. It will test the abilities of Ministers, Teagasc personnel and members of the IFA and other representative bodies to the limit. I have every faith in them.

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