Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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418. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has discussed the impact of Brexit on the single aviation market with his EU colleagues or UK counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9461/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As I have stated previously, the UK is by far the most important origin and destination for international passengers to and from Ireland and, as such, Brexit is the foremost strategic risk for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

I have not yet had the opportunity to meet with my UK counterpart or my other EU counterparts since the British referendum on Brexit took place. There is however regular and ongoing engagement and contact at all levels involving my Department in order to plan for and mitigate the risks associated with Brexit and to identify opportunities arising.

The aviation sector is critical to Ireland and I am very concerned about the potential impacts of Brexit on Irish aviation and the implications for tourism and for the wider economy. As previously stated, these concerns have been conveyed to the European Commission's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier and his team. Through the Department of the Taoiseach, I expect to be able to make the specific transport case to the Barnier team shortly. Staff from my Department in the Permanent Representation in Brussels and all Departmental staff attending meetings in Brussels are naturally at the forefront of this ongoing engagement and assessment, and report back regularly to the Department's Brexit co-ordinators. Departmental staff are actively engaging with stakeholders across the various modes of transport.

The Secretary General of my Department and members of the Department's Management Board also had an extensive four hour meeting with their UK Department for Transport counterparts on January 19th 2017 in London on the transport implications for both States of Brexit, including the implications for and the challenges facing the aviation sector as a result of the UK exit.

Once the UK has triggered Article 50 and negotiations commence, I will be seeking to ensure that aviation features among the top priorities for Ireland throughout these negotiations. In order to achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland and the single aviation market as a whole, my department will prioritise Brexit in the coming months by influencing and seeking strategic alliances among other EU member states for the purposes of the negotiations.