Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the publication of the report referred to by the Deputy, which is a useful contribution to the range of analysis 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 extensive regional impact of the food and drink sector, its contribution to the economy and to employment, the value added by large companies and also small and medium sized companies and the importance of the UK as the largest trading partner for Irish food and drink.

I note also the concerns expressed as a result of the weakening of sterling and the new environment and range of challenges presented by Brexit. These concerns are 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. My colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has provided additional support for Enterprise Ireland. My Department is funding lean competitiveness measures and, in consultation with industry, continues to develop funding for food research. On the longer-term implications of Brexit, 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.