Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Michelle McIlveen yesterday met with Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, and the Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire.
During the meeting in Belfast, the Ministers considered the potential implications of Brexit on Northern Ireland’s agri-food and fishing industries, rural communities and environment sector and discussed the need to ensure that these are recognised and addressed within future trade and policy frameworks.
Speaking afterwards, Miss McIlveen said: “I wanted to send a very clear message that we, as a region, must be closely and directly involved in the domestic agricultural, environmental and fisheries policy and trade agendas as they unfold in order to maximise the opportunities that will come with leaving the European Union.
"It is hugely encouraging that Mr Davis and Mr Brokenshire both stated that they would ensure Northern Ireland’s voice is heard in the negotiations towards exiting the European Union.
"I intend to make sure that our unique circumstances in many areas, including cross-border trade and wider agri-food exports, are fully recognised as we move forward.
"It is also vital that Northern Ireland has a say in framing the budgetary consequences of the EU exit.
"While the Treasury has provided a degree of reassurance to 2020, it is important that follow-on arrangements underpin continued economic and environmental development of Northern Ireland."
