Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me give another perspective to what Deputy Troy has said. The Irish economy continues to grow strongly. Growth is broadly based across the country and employment continues to grow in all sectors. Earlier this week, the Government published our draft stability programme update and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, will present that document to the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight at 2 p.m. today.

Everyone is aware of the uncertainties on which the Deputy has commented but despite those external uncertainties, the growth forecast for 2017 has been upgraded to 4.3%, having grown at 5.2% last year. These are not just statistics. They have an impact on families' lives because the figures indicate that people are now working. Our debt position continues to improve. The rate of unemployment has dropped from a high of over 15% when Fine Gael returned to power in 2011 to 6.5% today. That means something to individuals and families. It has an impact on the quality of their lives. It means there are opportunities. We are able to continue to invest in the services people need because we have a growing economy. When Fianna Fáil was in government, all investment stopped. Unemployment was growing, the economy was in freefall and we had lost our sovereignty. All of that has now changed. That is the broader context, notwithstanding the challenges the Deputy points to in regard to Brexit and the changing economic situation.

There has already been a discussion in the House this morning regarding Brexit. The Government has a clear plan. The priorities of the Irish Government have been reflected in the draft paper which was published. There are certain sectors which will be particularly affected, including the enormous challenges which Brexit presents for the entire Irish agrifood sector. Negotiations are yet to begin but the Government will take a most robust approach to protecting vulnerable sectors. It has been recognised in what has been published to date that there is a special case and situation in regard to Ireland which must be considered in the negotiations. For example, in 2016, Irish agrifood exports to the UK came to €4.8 billion or 39% of the total agrifood exports. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, and his officials are working on these issues. They are looking at the potential impact of the UK vote, the areas where the greatest risks may arise and the areas on which we will need to focus once negotiations begin. As I have said, the negotiations have not yet begun but the preparatory work has been done. The priority for Ireland is protecting our economy, including the very valuable agrifood sector.

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