The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Calleary gives welcome to Brexit funding
NEW Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary has welcomed last week’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) agreement – not least the €5billion Brexit Adjustment Fund, which will support countries worst affected by Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.
Minister Calleary was speaking after an online video-conference meeting with European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan. Several such engagements have taken place with key figures since Minister Calleary took office, his Department explained.
The Mayo TD said that Brexit and international trading were key points of the discussion with Commissioner Hogan, although he did also re-emphasise Ireland’s agricultural priorities.
“I was pleased to have the opportunity today to establish contact with Commissioner Hogan,” said Minister Calleary. “Understandably, Brexit and the wider international trading environment were the two overarching themes of our discussions.
“I had a very useful exchange with Commissioner Hogan on the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations, and took the opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s agri-food and fisheries priorities in these negotiations.
“I welcomed the agreement on the MFF last week, in particular the €5 Billion Brexit Adjustment Fund, for those Member States most negatively affected by Brexit.”
The two men exchanged thoughts on wider international trading, for example with the US and China, while Minister Calleary also said that ongoing trade negotiations and the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement were also on the agenda.
“I found today’s discussions extremely helpful,” said Minister Calleary.
“I have already had significant engagement with the main stakeholders domestically and at EU level and I will be continuing this process of engagement over the coming days.
“Last week I had productive discussions with Irish farming organisations, and tomorrow I will meet with industry representatives,” Minister Calleary added.