Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can only speak for my Department, but as a member of the Government and Cabinet, I can say that preparations are taking place on a daily basis. The answer to the Deputy's question is that there is flexibility in my Department and there will be more flexibility. When the time comes and if there is a no-deal Brexit, which puts certain communities and areas in bigger difficulties than others, that is where I will have to target funding. I will do that and that is my plan. There is flexibility within all the schemes in my Department and that is a good thing. I will continue to leave that flexibility there. We will deal with the areas where there is the most need.

My Department is working with the Government. We have played our part with regard to the plan that has been announced and we have to wait and see the outcome of Brexit. My job, as Minister for Community and Rural Development, is to make sure that I am there to support rural communities. At Government level, I am there on a daily basis and I policy-proof whatever decisions are made to ensure that rural Ireland is protected. We have to wait and see what will actually happen but I stress the word "flexibility". My Department is flexible and we will target the areas that need it most.

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