Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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147. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent meetings with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the need to implement measures to support the agrifood sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14705/19]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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149. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent discussions with the European Commissioner for Trade regarding the difficulties that will arise for the agrifood sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if measures will be implemented to protect Irish trade with Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14707/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 149 together.

I have held a series of meetings with Commissioner Hogan, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development where we discussed the potential impact a ‘no deal’ Brexit could have on the agri-food sector and the Commission’s readiness to deploy support measures to help mitigate the potential impacts on farmers, fishermen and businesses in the sector.

Such measures could include traditional market supports and exceptional aid provisions under the CAP's Single Common Market Organisation regulation, as well as increased flexibility under State Aid regulations. Commissioner Hogan did confirm that the EU was ready to respond positively and my officials are currently in regular contact with Commission officials as the situation evolves.

The Common Market Organisation regulation, which was put in place under the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2013, provides a comprehensive toolbox for dealing with market disruption and it includes measures such as Intervention, Aids to Private Storage and Exceptional Aid.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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148. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent meetings with the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries regarding the issues arising for the fisheries sector here due to Brexit; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14706/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I met with Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella in Brussels last month to discuss the potential negative impact of a disorderly Brexit on the Irish fishing industry.

We discussed a number of issues including potential loss of access for Irish and other EU vessels to the UK fishing zone, the need to ensure ongoing protection of fish stocks in the waters around Ireland from a subsequent increase in fishing activity, and potential mitigation measures at EU level.

We also discussed the recent EU Commission proposals concerning the possible use of temporary cessation measures, quota swapping with the UK and potential reciprocal access in a ‘no deal’ situation.

I emphasised the necessity for the Commission to continue its leading role in ensuring that there will be a coordination mechanism on the actual application of any temporary cessation, identifying fleets and stocks most vulnerable to a disorderly Brexit and exploring additional possible mitigation measures to safeguard these stocks.

There has been a number of meetings at official level between the EU Commission and the relevant Member States in recent weeks on these issues and my Department, with the support of our Marine Agencies, have been fully engaged in these. Further meetings are planned in the coming days and weeks.

I am also continuing to work closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues.