Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent of contingency planning he has prepared in the event of a no-deal Brexit; the submissions he has made to the EU for assistance should a no-deal Brexit occur for the entire seafood sector; when such contingencies would come into place in the event of a no-deal; when the assistance packages will be made available to the entire seafood sector; if the state of preparedness in the marine sector is equal to preparations made already for the agriculture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19851/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Both my officials and I have had intensive discussions with the European Commission, other relevant Member States and stakeholders regarding the potential negative impact of a disorderly or  no- deal Brexit on the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector as whole.  These discussions intensified in recent months and were based on preparatory work already done.  While the immediate threat of a no-deal outcome has been averted, the preparatory work and the discussions will continue.

The key issues in a no-deal situation which I have stressed in all discussions are the 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 for the seafood sector at EU level.  It is also important to be aware that, in such a  no-deal situation, the EU and Ireland could also face a loss of quota share.

Throughout the discussions, I emphasised the necessity for a coordinated European response to ensure that there would be proportionate and equitable use of mitigation measures overseen by the Commission.

The outcome of these discussions can be seen in the EU Brexit Contingency plan that was published on the 10th of April.  This highlights fisheries as one of the most immediately critical issues facing the EU in a no-deal Brexit.  We now have identified and agreed co-ordinated and fully prepared measures that will be immediately available to address a no-deal Brexit situation on the 31st of October, if the UK were to decide to deny EU vessels access to UK waters.  As I have stated previously, I am seeking additional EU funds to support these mitigation measure if they ever become necessary, which of course I hope they do not.  Such financial discussions are ongoing and there are many variables at play but I can assure the Deputy that the seafood sector will, along with agriculture be a key priority for this Government.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I will continue to work to ensure that the marine sector is equally prepared to the agriculture sector.