Written answers

Wednesday, 17 May 2017

Department of An Taoiseach

Brexit Issues

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Taoiseach if work has commenced on the paper on the economic challenges of Brexit as referenced in the programme for Government annual report 2017; the specific topics that will be covered in this paper; and the expected publication date of this paper. [23563/17]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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At its meeting of 2 May, the Government welcomed the overall approach to and guidelines for the Brexit negotiations adopted by the European Council at its meeting on 29 April. The guidelines reflect Ireland's unique concerns - support and protect the achievements, benefits and commitments of the peace process; avoid a hard border; and protect the Common Travel Area.

They also recognise the desirability of moving to discuss the future relationship between the EU and the UK once sufficient progress has been made on the withdrawal issues, as well as the likely need for transitional arrangements. Furthermore, the statement agreed by the European Council acknowledges that in the event of a united Ireland, brought about in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would legally be part of the EU.

This outcome is a major endorsement of Government's approach, and results from an intensive engagement with EU partners and institutions at all political and official levels in recent months.

Now that the overall approach to the negotiations has been set out by the EU, the Government has stated its intention to intensify its focus on the economic implications of Brexit, including on domestic policy measures to reinforce the competitiveness of the Irish economy, to protect it from potential negative impacts of Brexit and to pursue all possible opportunities that might arise.

To underpin this work, the Government will prepare a further paper on the economic implications of the Brexit challenge. This will draw on the extensive work already underway across Departments, including sectoral analyses, and will reflect the core economic themes of my speech to the Institute of International and European Affairs of 15 February, including:

- sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit

- policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness

- prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit

- realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helpful businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;

- making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.

Policy decisions in support of these objectives arise across a wide range of areas, including the annual Budgetary process; the forthcoming National Planning Framework 2040; the new 10-year National Capital Plan; the review of Enterprise 2025; and sectoral policies and investment decisions in areas such as agriculture, enterprise, transport, communications and energy.

In taking this important work forward, the Government will continue to engage with stakeholders, including through the All Island Civic Dialogue process.

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