Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Brexit posed a massive challenge to our economy across the board. As the UK is the main destination for our agrifood exports, the risk factor there was massive.

The fact that there was a trade and co-operation agreement mitigated some of the worst fears we had in regard to tariff barriers and other issues. Thankfully, since Brexit, trade with the UK has been very strong, as have prices and value. Of course, there are structural challenges in regard to how that evolves over time. We are working hard to see what opportunities might be there. While the trade and co-operation agreement has protected the wider economy and sheltered agriculture, it has had a very real impact on fisheries. We are in the process of delivering up to €400 million in funding for the fisheries sector to support and invest in it. Any ideas in this regard that Deputy Carthy may have are very welcome. My ears are fully open. As he is aware, I want to support the agri-food sector in every way possible, including any mechanisms that might be there through the BAR. If Deputy Carthy has any particular suggestions, I would welcome them.

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