John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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343. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review was undertaken of the Brexit fish processor transition scheme following its conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10258/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Brexit Fish Processor Transition Scheme was implemented under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund (BAR). All schemes that were implemented under the fund complied with all relevant financial governance frameworks, including audit requirements.

The Department of Public Expenditure, National Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) is the Designated Body in respect of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve in Ireland.

In 2024 the Independent Audit Body for the BAR audit team selected two schemes implemented in the fisheries sector for audit. The Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme and the Brexit Pelagic Fisheries Support Scheme. On completion there were no audit findings in relation to the implementation of these schemes.

The European Union Commission is also undertaking audits of Brexit Adjustment Reserve funded measures. They are currently auditing the Fisheries Harbour Centres Capital Projects Scheme which received funding under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The EU Commission will also be reviewing the Brexit links for selected projects - further detail on this process is expected shortly. The overall audit and review process is expected to continue into 2025.