Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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898. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of all consultants commissioned by his Department since June 2016 to complete reports on Brexit; the cost of the reports; the date of commission; the expected publication date of same, in tabular form; and if all such reports have been published. [45900/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I have not commissioned any consultants to carry out reports in relation to Brexit to date, although since June 2016 my Department and the agencies reporting to it have conducted a range of analysis and research activities. This work is ongoing, and is primarily concerned with the implications of Brexit for agri-food trade with the UK across different sectors.

For example, both internally and in consultation with the relevant stakeholders through the Brexit Stakeholder Consultative Committee and the All-Island Civic Dialogue process, my Department has established the extent of sectoral reliance on the UK market, the potential implications of Brexit for each sector and the possible responses to the challenges presented. It has also been analysing the potential practical impact on the day-to-day functioning of trade flows, as well as potential WTO tariffs that might be applied to Ireland's agri-food exports to the UK in the event of a 'hard' Brexit. In addition, it has been actively involved in steering groups presiding over research projects commissioned by other Departments which have an agri-food component. 

The agencies reporting to my Department have also undertaken important research in relation to Brexit, with Teagasc publishing reports on, for example, the potential implications for the Irish agri-food sector in overall terms and on the implications for family farm incomes, and Bord Bia conducting important work through its Brexit Barometer.

In addition, my Department is in contact with the relevant agencies and with other Departments to co-ordinate further research on the implications of Brexit for the agri-food industry. Consultants may be commissioned by my Department to conduct this research, if required.