Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister knows, Bord Bia has published estimates for the impact of the underlying weakness of sterling on exports for 2016, which demonstrates a fall in the value of trade as result totalling €570 million, with exports to the UK dropping by 8%. IBEC estimates this equates to up to 5,000 jobs. The Irish Farmers Association, IFA, has been very clear as well in outlining how the current weakness of sterling is leading to Irish farmers losing out to the tune of €2 million per week or 15 cent per kilo as a result of the fact that sterling is lower.

I asked specifically if the Government has applied to the EU for aid relating to the impact of Brexit or market disturbance. Commissioner Hogan in the past few weeks has issued an invitation to states most affected by sterling disturbances to make applications for aid and assistance. Has the Government applied for that or will it do so? Will the Minister give a clear answer on that?

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