Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Clearly, Ireland wants the closest possible relationship with the UK post Brexit. Everything we are doing is to ensure that happens. We are still of the view that the optimum outcome for the UK is for it to remain part of the Single Market and the customs union. That is a matter for the United Kingdom and they are in the throes of debate on those very issues.

There is detailed work going on across Government in respect of this area. The Deputies contributing now are from the midlands and Border areas. My colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Heather Humphreys, has a particular affinity with ensuring that everything possible is done to mitigate the impacts of Brexit on the Border areas. There are ongoing negotiations across all of Government. The Taoiseach paid a very positive visit to Northern Ireland last week, to both sides and traditions, and was well received. There has been ongoing engagement. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, met recently with the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, MP, in respect of agriculture and food.

There are a number of dedicated measures including the €300 million Brexit loan scheme for businesses which was launched in March and increased funding to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation as well as the €25 million Brexit response loan scheme for the agri-food sector and additional supports also for capital investment in the food industry and Bord Bia in terms of marketing and promotion.

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