Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Some of this was dealt with yesterday when the Taoiseach replied at length but he did not answer all of the questions. The disruption of Brexit will be profound and it is not yet clear what the scale of the response will be from the Government or the European Union in terms of the facilitation of solidarity mechanisms which might enable us to help industries under pressure or help industries to transition as a result of Brexit. In monetary terms, Brexit could be very significant for the country. The Taoiseach mentioned yesterday that an economic paper is being finalised. I accept there is a balance here and the Government wants to promote the country and its well-being but we cannot understate the scale of the challenge. There is no point in telling people not to be so negative about Brexit and not to talk down the economy. The reality is Brexit is a fundamental change to our economic model. It is a once in a generation change that changes how we have been operating for 50 years. It obviously depends on the trade component of the Brexit deal between the European Union and the United Kingdom. It is about damage limitation. Can the Taoiseach indicate what the current estimate is of how much trade may be undermined by Brexit? Will he confirm which sectors will be worst hit? There is ongoing coverage of Ireland bidding for EU agencies to locate here. Is there any update on these bids? Are the reports today true that the State may have to cover rent to land EU agencies? Will the Taoiseach outline where we are in terms of that competitive bid?

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