Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Making the case for supporting measures at EU level that recognise Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy is a key pillar of the Government’s response to Brexit.

There is a firm understanding at EU level of the unique and disproportionate impact that Brexit will have on Ireland. This has been reflected in a number of concrete measures and commitments to date, such as the EIB’s support for the Government’s Brexit Loan Scheme.  In its Contingency Action Plan of 13 November 2018, the European Commission confirmed that it would support Ireland in finding solutions addressing the specific challenges of Irish businesses.

In November 2017, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation met with EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager to discuss, amongst other issues, the impact of Brexit on Irish businesses. Since November 2017, the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation has been working closely with the Commission and DG Competition since November 2017 through the Irish/EU Technical Working Group on State Aid. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules.

On 24 January 2019, Minister Humphreys met with Commissioner Vestager. The meeting focused on the severe challenges that Irish businesses will face when the UK leaves the EU and the need for appropriate and timely State supports. It was agreed that Irish officials will continue to work closely with the Commissioner's team in addressing any State Aid issues that may arise to ensure a rapid and appropriate response as the ultimate shape of Brexit and its firm-level implications become known. Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing rules, this will be raised as part of the Group discussions. The Commissioner emphasised that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms.

In addition, Minister Creed held a bilateral meeting with Commissioner Hogan (DG Agriculture and Rural Development) on 28 January to discuss the potential impact of a no deal Brexit on the Irish agrifood and fisheries sectors. 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. Commissioner Hogan and Minister Creed agreed to remain in close contact as the situation develops and more clarity emerges about the nature of the UK’s departure.

This is an ongoing process, and the Government will continue to carefully examine what supports can be provided to assist businesses, particularly in a no deal scenario.