Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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578. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent publication on the impact of Brexit on the agrifood sector (details supplied); his further views on the need to implement some specific measures as advocated in this publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8752/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the publication of the report referred to by the Deputy, which I think makes a further important contribution to the range of analysis that has been carried out by my Department and by other bodies on the implications of Brexit for Ireland's agri-food and fisheries sectors, and will be considered in that context. 

I note the points made in the report in relation to the all-island character of the drinks industry, its contribution to the economy and the importance of the UK market for the industry. I note also the concerns expressed in relation to both the short-term impacts of Brexit arising from the decline in the value of Sterling, and in relation to the medium- and long-term implications. These concerns echo in large part those expressed by other sectors of the agri-food industry, and are also consistent with those that I and my Department have been highlighting as priorities from an Irish perspective.

The Deputy will be aware of the range of measures that I have already implemented in the context of Budget 2017 to help deal with exchange rate difficulties, including additional funding for Bord Bia and BIM, agri-taxation measures, increased funding under the Rural Development Programme and Seafood Development Programme, and the new €150m low-cost loan scheme. On the longer-term implications, my Department continues to deepen its analysis, to consult with the sector and to engage with other EU Member States and the European Commission, with a view to ensuring that agri-food concerns are adequately reflected in the negotiations.