Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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150. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date on which a request was made to the European Commission (details supplied); if the request was also submitted to the Brexit preparedness group under the European Commission Taskforce on Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom; if he brought the attention of the Commission to the matter; if not, the person or body that did; the EU legislative provision under which the request was made.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5358/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Extensive and detailed Brexit preparedness and contingency work continues to be taken forward, co-ordinated by officials in my Department, working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, across all Government Departments, Agencies and sectors, including the agrifood sector.

The agrifood sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development including those in rural Ireland in particular. As such, Brexit has the potential to have a very significant impact on farmers and on the agrifood sector throughout Ireland, including farmers in the border counties.

At this stage, Ireland has not formally notified the Commission to seek emergency aid for the farming sector either through EU Regulation No. 702/2014 - the Agriculture Block Exemption Regulation or under Article 219 of (EU) Regulation No. 1308/2013. However, there are on-going discussions with the Commission regarding the difficulties facing Ireland.

The Commission’s contingency action plan emphasises that it stands ready to engage with the Member States that will be most affected by a no deal withdrawal and expressly states that “the Commission will support Ireland in finding solutions addressing the specific challenges of Irish businesses”.

Minister Creed held a bilateral meeting with Commissioner Hogan last week to discuss the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on the Irish agrifood and fisheries sectors. They discussed the unique exposure of the Irish agrifood and fisheries sectors to the threat of a disorderly Brexit and the challenges that it could present. Minister Creed stressed the need to deploy market response measures, including exceptional aid, under the CAP to provide necessary supports to Ireland's agrifood sectors. Commissioner Hogan reiterated the EU’s readiness to respond and support Ireland and in particular, challenges facing Irish farmers and the agrifood sector, given our specific exposure to the UK market.

The Government will continue to explore all measures, including state aid options, with the Commission to support the agri food sector.

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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151. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date up until which the UK Government can ask for an extension to Article 50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5552/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with Article 50, paragraph 3 of the Treaty on European Union, the EU Treaties shall cease to apply to the United Kingdom from the date of entry into force of the Withdrawal Agreement or, failing that, two years after its notification of its intention to withdraw, unless the European Council, in agreement with the United Kingdom, unanimously decides to extend this period. In the case of the UK, at present, this means 11 pm on 29 March, 2019.

Any request for an extension would need to be made before then, and would have to be made in sufficient time to allow for a decision to be made by the European Council in accordance with the terms of Article 50, paragraph 3. Ireland would be open to such a request. As President Tusk has said, should the UK make a reasoned request for an extension under Article 50, the other Member States would stand ready to consider it.

Any decision to formally request an extension of Article 50 remains a matter for the UK.