We’re working hard to make Brexit work for Donegal- Minister McHugh

Fine Gael Minister of State for Donegal Joe McHugh TD, “In the wake of the meeting between An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and British Prime Minister, Theresa May, I am in no doubt of the enormity of the Brexit situation and its potential implications for Donegal.

“The Irish Government has a very clear understanding the nature and scale of the challenge presented by Brexit challenge.  Ireland began preparations for a potential Brexit two years ago, well before the UK’s referendum and since last June, this preparation has steadily intensified.

“As a TD for Donegal I have had a significant input into this process. As a result of all the work, we start 2017 with a clear and calm focus.

“Brexit itself may be complex but my objective is simple – to secure the best deal we can for Donegal, for Ireland and our people in the context of a wider EU-UK agreement.

“Ireland’s priorities remain unchanged:  our economic and trading arrangements, the Peace Process including border issues, the common travel area, and the future of the European Union.

“We have a sound understanding of our priorities, namely: protecting our economy; safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement; maintaining the Common Travel Area with the UK; and mapping a positive direction for the EU with Ireland at its heart.

“This last point is key. The island of Ireland – and Donegal in particular –  are in a unique situation in many respects, foremost among them our Peace Process and the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.

“As a Government, we are working to ensure that the prosperity and security that peace has brought is protected and that the legally binding provisions of the Good Friday Agreement are respected.

“As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, we will continue to work with the British Government and the political parties to fulfill the promise of that Agreement and to advance political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in the North.

“The Taoiseach is leading the Irish response domestically and internationally.  We have held more than 60 meetings with individual Member States and more are planned. This work is still challenging as it remains unclear at the moment what kind of relationship the UK wants to have.

“Here in Donegal we know the relationship we want with our neighbours in Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh The negotiations ahead will be complex and multi-layered. 

“We have focused on explaining the unique situation we have with Northern Ireland, the crucial issue of preserving an “invisible” border, and our historically strong trade, cultural, societal and family links with the UK.

“The government is conscious that a challenging and inevitably difficult process lies ahead. The Government’s preparation has been extensive, and all possible “models” of Brexit have been taken into account. We have sought views far and wide, at events such as the All-island Civic Dialogue.

“The Civic Dialogue has already held 12 sectoral events subsequent to the initial plenary session on 2 November; and as announced yesterday the next plenary session will be held on the 17 February, hosted by the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan.

“Other, smaller sessions have taken place on a sectoral basis, and there has been consistent engagement by Ministers at various Brexit-themed Chamber of Commerce, academic and other events throughout the country. Consequently, the Government has a very clear picture of the key national issues that need to be addressed in the period ahead and the authority of our position has been strengthened.

“As Ireland will sit on the EU side of the table for the negotiations, it is vital that our national priorities are heard and understood in the capitals of Europe. This is an all-Government effort, our officials and diplomats regularly engage in detailed discussions with the Commission on issues of concern to Ireland. At the European Council table in Brussels, where the most significant political decisions are taken, the Taoiseach is a strong, well-regarded, and experienced voice.

“Prudent planning required us to begin planning quietly for a different outcome.  The day the result was announced we were in a position to launch a framework contingency plan that spanned right across government.  And our detailed analysis has deepened significantly since the result.

“Economically, our trade relationship with the UK is very significant and sees over €1bn a week traded between our two countries.  The future of that trading relationship depends on the nature of the exit the UK seeks from the EU.  It is worth remembering though that our exports to the rest of the EU are worth more than double those to the UK. There can be no question of punishing the UK – and thereby punishing our neighbours in the North – and we would resist any such approach.

“In framing Budget 2017 we were very conscious of this issue.  Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland were given significant additional resources to support Irish jobs and Irish business in dealing with the challenges ahead.  A package of measures to assist the agrifood sector was announced.  An extension of benefits to the self-employed was also provided for.  The 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector was maintained.  The Government recognises the need to plan prudently for the challenges ahead, a rainy day fund and new debt-GDP target of 45 per cent by the mid-part of the next decade.

“The Government has no illusions as to the scale of the potential risks and challenges for the Irish economy, but we are also very aware of the potential economic opportunities that may arise for Ireland, especially relating to mobile investment. 

“As one of the EU 27, Ireland will be negotiating from a position of strength – fully committed to the future of a better, reformed European Union.

“To be clear and unequivocal: Ireland wants a close and positive relationship with the UK once they leave, but not at the expense of us remaining at the heart of the EU and its Single Market – which has been the cornerstone of much of our economic progress. Since joining in 1973, as an overall proportion of our trade we’ve doubled our exports to EU member states, while per capita gross income in this country has increased by a factor of 21.

“If Ireland’s interests are to be protected, and if Donegal’s interests are to be protected, we are looking for the most satisfactory outcome for all parties concerned whether you live or work in Lifford or Strabane, Buncrana or Derry.

Ends