Re: FOI Request 2017/0309 Dear- lam writing to you in relation to your Freedom of Information request F0l/2017/ 0309 requesting the following:>> 1) copies of all correspondence from business groups making representations or comments to the Department about Brexit and memos or notes of any meetings held between the Minister or department officials with business groups concerning representations or comments made about Brexit since January lst, 2017 I regret the delay in responding to you. My search of Departmental files yielded a total of 57 records, identified as being relevant to your request. have scheduled all records in the attached table. lam now releasing 43 records and withholding 14 records. The Schedule clearly shows my decision regarding each record, which has been marked Granted, Part Granted or Refused as appropriate. Those records that have been refused are exempt under the following Provisions of the Act 2014: Section 29. Deliberations of FOI bodies 29. A head may refuse to grant an FOI request7 if the record concerned contains matter relating to the deliberative processes of an FBI body (including opinions, advice, recommendations, and the results of consultations, considered by the body, the head of the body, or a member of the body or of the staff of the body for the purpose of those processes], and the granting of the request would, in the opinion of the head, be contrary to the public interest Section 30. Functions and negotiations of FOI bodies 30. (1) A head may refuse to grant an FOI request if access to the record concerned could, in the opinion of the head, reasonably be expected to— (c) disclose positions taken, or to be taken, or plans, procedures, criteria or instructions used or followed, or to be used or followed, for the purpose of any negotiations carried on or being, or to be, carried on by or on behalf of the Government or an FOI body. Section 33 - Security, defence and international relations 33. (1) A head may refuse to grant an FOI request in relation to a record (and in particular but without prejudice to the generality otherwise of this subsection, to a record to which subsection (2) applies) if, in the opinion of the head, access to it could reasonably be expected to affect adversely— (a) the security of the State, (b) the defence of the State, (c) matters relating to Northern Ireland, or (d) the international relations of the State. Section 35 Information obtained in confidence 35. (1) Subject to this section, a head shall refuse to grant an FOI request if— (a) the record concerned contains information given to an FOI body, in confidence and on the understanding that it would be treated by it as confidential (including such information as aforesaid that a person was required by law, or could have been required by the body pursuant to law, to give to the body) and, in the opinion of the head, its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the giving to the body of further similar information from the same person or other persons and it is of importance to the body that such further similar information as aforesaid should continue to be given to the body, or If you are unhappy with this decision you may appeal it. In the event that you need to make such an appeal, you can do so by writing to the Freedom of Information Unit , Department of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 or alternatively by sending an e-mail to FOI@taoiseach.gov.ie There is a fee of €30 for processing the appeal. You should make your appeal within 4 weeks from the date of this notification, where a day is defined as a working day excluding, the weekend and public holidays. However, the making of a late appeal may be permitted in appropriate circumstances. The appeal will involve a complete reconsideration of the matter by a more senior member of the staff of this body. Yours sincerely _____________________ Jenny O’Hora Assistant Principal British Irish & Northern Ireland Affairs Language 0 lrish Ref: NR 0 English Author:Victoria Maguire Date on letter211/01/2017 ITEM Taoiseach's Reps Database: Letter .. Received Received112/01/2017 Date: Date lssued:13/01/2017 File Number: 8255/1 3/24/0001! Letter indexed on 13/01/2017 File: Representations to the Taoiseach, 16th January 2017 16th January 2017 Correspondence from: Salutation: First Name: Surname: Suf?x: Title: Organisation Address Email Address Rep. for Person: Rep. for Organisation: Details of Material: Note For Registry: Comments/Details re outcome: Referred to (last 5 references) Ms. Katie Daughen Head of Brexit Research and Support Services British lrish Chamber Salutation: First Name: Surname: Organisation Name: investing in Dublin Copied to John Callinan and John Shaw, see imports, Given in to NR. VM 12/01 Copy given to the Taoiseach CurrentReferTo: Index and PA Refer To: index and PA Date: 13/01/2017 (Lorraine Watters) Status: Referred (Acknowledged, Referred, Under Consideration. Show) MinSurname lrishTitle John(s). please see for infO; NiKan Nick Raddy to: John Callinan, John Shaw 11/01/2017 17:27 Cc: Victoria Maguire . . . . Oifig an TaOlSIgh gm.? . . . . ism. Nick 0f the To: John John {.er Victoria Magu- ire!? ?its; GDGTE Brochure Online.pdf Nick Reddy Private Secretary to the Taoiseaeh FonNarded by Nick on 11/01/2017 17:25 From: Katie Daughen To: mark.kennelly@taoiseach.ie, andrew.mcdowell@taoiseach.ie, paul.obnen@taoiseach.ie, angela.flanagan@taoiseach.ie, sarah.moran@taoiseach.ie, nick.reddy@taoiseach.gov.ie Co: John McGrane Date: 11/01/2017 17:16 Subject: Investing in Dublin - Greater Dublin's Greater Than Ever Initiative Dear Taoiseach, I am emailing regarding an initiative promoting Dublin as a location for investment, supported by the British Irish Chamber of Conference that may be of interest to you. Greater Dublin '5 Greater Than Ever markets Dublin as a great place to set up and do business and highlights what the Greater Dublin Region has to offer to inward investor businesses looking to invest and establish an assured EU base. It has been facilitated by the British Irish Chamber of Commerce who produced both a short promotional video and presentation brochure to promote the project. The video features key contributions from the Lord Mayor of Dublin; Minister of State Eoghan Murphy and a number of key industry ?gures, while the accompanying brochure presents key facts relating to the attractiveness of Dublin for investment covering six key areas of ?nancial services and regulation; infrastructure; access; skills and workforce; education and research; and as a location for startups and entrepreneurs. Both products produced for this initiative are Open source and free to use. We are now sharing these with interested parties who have an interest in the promotion of Dublin and Ireland internationally. I have attached a copy of the brochure that was produced for this initiative. The video that was produced can be found either on the British Irish Chamber of Commerce website or on the Greater Dublin's Greater Than Ever Youtube channel hm. 'Should you have any queries relating to this initiative or require further infomation, please do not hesitate to contact me either via email or on the phone number below. Kind regards, Katie Daughen, Head of Brexit Research Support Services Newmount House 22-24 Lower Mount Street Dublin 2 Ireland Landline: +353 (0) 1 400 4324 NEXT EVENTS - 26 January 2017 - Invited Leaders Series Dinner with guest speaker Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department of Health - RDS. Generously sponsored by Pathfinder Consultants in Oifig an Taoisigh, Tlthe an Riaitais, Baile Atha Cliath 2. Office of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Dublin 2. 2% bmwumma 01 February 2017 - "Beyond Brexit" evening reception with guest speakers Ben Gutteridge of Brewin Dolphin and Richard Watts of Old Mutual Asset Management. RDS. Generously sponsored by Tilman Brewin Dolphin. By Invitation 07 February 2017 - Evening Reception and Dinner for Tim Farron, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in AIB Bankcentre . Kindly hosted by Richard CBE, Chairman, AIB. By Invitation 10 February 2017 - "The Challenges and Opportunities in the TMT Sector and our Response", breakfast Seminar kindly hosted and sponsored by Deloitte. 16 March 2017 - Annual Conference at Clayton Hotel (formerly DoubleTree by Hilton), Dublin, generously sponsored by Ulster Bank . Conference Lunch generously sponsored by Virgin Media. Conference Dinner generously sponsored by Lloyd's of London Ireland This email and any ?les transmitted with it are confidential and intended solebifor the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. you have received this email in error please noti?) the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. inally, the reczpient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liabilityfor any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ?33; GDGTE Brochure Online.pdf R, Brexit Agri-Food Industry Business Leaders Meeting 3pm, Thursday 19th January 2017 Room 301 Attendance John Callinan, Eamonn Molloy, George Burke, Jean McDonald (DFAT), Eoghan Duffy (DFAT), John Horgan (MD Kepak), Larry Murrin (MD Dawn Farm Foods), Maurice Hickey (MD Largo Foods) Ann Randles (Company Secretary Ornua) Philip Carroll (Chairman Meat Industry Ireland) Cormac Healy (Senior Director Meat Industry Ireland) Paul Kelly (Senior Director Food Drink Ireland), Ross MacMathuna (Director Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland) Items Discussed 0 Impact of Brexit vote being felt already - Bord Bia's loss in potential trade value 0 Importance of UK as trading partner in Agri-Food sector both north and south 0 Sterling devaluations 0 National Competitiveness Agenda 0 Concerns around border issue Agreed Actions It was agreed that a second meeting of this group would take place with the date to be determined. Michelle Hendricken British-Irish and Northern Ireland Affairs 24 January 2017 st kly if/ {92 Emma Kerins T9 . . QC. 28/02/2017- 1'4-58 Subject. Chambers lrela?ndiMediatidn Bill 2017' '2 attachments- Letter"from Bill 20.17.pdf Commerical Dear Deputy, Please find ?attached (Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot concerning the Mediation Bill 2017'. Please ?lsefind-attaehed :atn inf'Or-mationrnote onthe benefits of mediation for business; Should-you have- any questions or-?commentsl regard?ing'the?se documents, please. don?t hesitate to contact- directly. Kind Regards Emma Kerins InternatiOnal Affairs Executive: Ch?f?bers Ireland 3rd Floor Newmount House 2-2 .- 2?4 LoW?er Dublin2. 0X26 +353 1 4004303 emma.kerins@chambers.ie W: ['37 7? .1 . Lniala?a QLEJ ?l EUROCHAMBRES IRELAND - ,3 ., CF: Chamber's lr?land? Ireland's largest. best- enVirOnment=l0r members locally. regionally and nationally, :1 31-; i; . 3w )fol?p3?LL - .2523" ?ml. 4i; - Oirea'chtas email policy-and disclaimer. Beartas riomhphoist an Circachtais, aguls-?s?anadh. Ti'ifeii'iBiiRS EREMME simulations at. Momentum. our. M7 mix mu 3 Ma iiuataai 28'" February 2017 mime, . Re: Mediation Bill 2017 Dear Deputy, Chambers ireland is ireland's largest business arganisation with a network of Chambers of Commerce in every major town and region in the country. As part afour work, chambers lreland has long been a proponent of the benefits of alternative dispute resolution (ADE), particularly mediation, in resolving commercial disputes in a timely and cost eiiective way, tlsing mediation to resolve disputes is more efficient, less adversarial and can he a fraction of the cost of litigation, meaning iess disruption to day-to-day business operations and more chance of preserving business relationships. In the Warld Bank's "Doing Business" report for 1016 despite being ranked as 18'" averail, Ireland has once again been identified as an expensive locatiun in which to enfurca a business contract. Notably, we are ranited significantly behind the UK in this regard (they are ranked 31st while we are positioned 90'" and falling two pieces irorn last year). This poor ranking has been flagged by the National Competitiveness Council as hindering our ability to remain competitive internationally and reduces our attractiveness as a location for inward investment. One way in which Government can help address this gap in competitiveness between helm: and the UK, particularly as we prepare tor Brexit, is to the increased use ofalternative dispute resolution in commercial or contractual disputes. it is our view that the best way to achieve this is to ensure there is a statutory basis tor mediation in ireland, Earlierthis month, the Mediation Bill 2017 was published by the Departmentoflustice and isdue to be debated in the mail this Wednesday, the 1" March 2017. The Mediation Bill 2017 will facilitate a greater number of commercial and civil disputes to be addressed through mediation as an altemative to seeking resolution through the courts system, We ask thatyou legislation and enact this Bill as a priority. For your infiarmation, please find attached an information note on (he benefits of mediaxinn in resolving mmrnercizl disputes. Yours Sincerely ian Talbot Chief Executive (MMIMIM nation anon-a tie we we run mew one. emuwrl ease. area was. main eat unconscious" riuarian cr..arewimmiun.eam m" mm DL-uun i p.1sartieama,imar..iv,aa ?53: a z: a ?12; as? We 53? $553$3515 3 1% gm?i??im? - .. ":32 :21 .. it - as: ?21352' "f 1% at; a" mam? ?at. ~zi per FDR Mediation Bill 2017 Why Mediation is Good for Business What is mediation? Mediation is a flexible settlement technique, conducted privately and confidentially, in which a mediator acts as a neutral facilitator to help the parties try to arrive at a negotiated settlement of their dispute Why is Mediation Good for Business? it helps preserve business relations, encourages open dialogue and is time and cost effective What types of disputes can be mediated? Provided both parties are willing to mediate, all kinds of business disputes can be resolved through mediation, including for example: Boardroom disputes; contractual disputes; debt resolution; defamation; negligence; partnership disputes; and shareholder disputes How can using mediation improve competitiveness? In the World Bank?s ?Doing Business? report for 2016, despite being ranked as 18th overall, lreland has once again been identified as an expensive location in which to enforce a business contract. Notably, we are ranked significantly behind the UK in this regard (they are ranked 3lst while we are positioned 90th and falling two places from last year). One of the key distinguishing factors between the UK and Ireland when it comes to enforcing contracts, particularly when it comes to the length of time it takes (on average 650 days in Ireland compared to 437 in the UK) is the far more proactive approach to case management and the use of 'alternate dispute resolution? This poor ranking has been flagged by the National Competitiveness Council as hindering our ability to remain competitive internationally and reduces our attractiveness as a location for inward investment. When the UK eventually leaves the European Union, Ireland will have to work even harder to distinguish itself as a location for international investment. Such marked differences between the UK and Ireland cannot be acceptable and must be addressed as soon as possible if our relative competitiveness is to be maintained. What to do if you have a dispute? Chambers lreland recently launched a Business and Commercial Mediation initiative on a pilot basis for businesses who want to resolve their disputes using mediation. The pilot was developed by a cross section of bodies (Chambers Ireland, the Chartered institute of Arbitrators, the Law Society, the Bar Council of Ireland and the Mediator?s Institute of Ireland) with the objective of promoting awareness of mediation as a cost and resource efficient way for businesses to resolve commercial disputes. The Scheme is also supported by the Courts Service of Ireland. lf you are interested in learning more about the Scheme or in having a dispute referred, please contact mediation@chambers.ie Ackknowledge and" Refer ?E?maii. Details File Number: 32551131240002:le File NameRepresentations?t'o Vth'e TaOiSea?h, 6th Marc/?2017 +56ttharCh-?2017 email issued on 06/03/2017 . email received l?a?TalbOt [gigs from Chief Executive Chambers- Irelahcl 7 Newmount House ., A 22-24 Levi/er Mount Street Dublin 2 57;. '1 Details of material Commemiiai Mediation Fact-sheet -: email sent to emma.kerins@chambers.ie a 3 Subject Of'emia'ii: email ?touthe Taoisea?ch Text of email Dear Mr. Talbot l' Twi'sh?t'o a?Ckh?oWl?dg?e Vrecapt- Ofyji?wr cOrreSpondence.-dated 201-7.- Yours sincerely, :Celin'echEwy . Assistant Private Secretary toth'e TaoiSe'aCh Telephone: 0?1?6194000 E-mail: Liz Canavan For your information History: Email',Ack- Refer issued on? 06/08/2017 1251520410 byL?orraine Walters 3- Philip Carroll To, 08/03/2017. 1.7117 Cormac He?ly cc- Subject Request for meeting WithAn ?Taoisea?cti 0r attention. of Nia?nih O'Brien Dear Niamh Thank you for taking rnyea?ea??iar. Withan-CXpectation. that Will. shortly triggerArticle '50 signalling-the. commencementizof negotiations onthe-UK exit. from the European Union, FoodDrink Ireland-(PDQ the trade association Within- ij?ec representing?the agri?tbod sector, requests -a meeting with-An Taoisea'Ch ahead. of?the commencement of these negatiatiOns in. Order to brief?him on the national economic importance of the-"sectorand the-necessity of putting the agri~food sector at the Centre. of the economic. challenges facing'the Irish economy into'the' ?iturer. i FDI has: been werkin'g; Goyernment (MinisterCre'ed, Minister Mitchell O'Connor and the Taoi?s'eac'ht's 'SeniOr. of?cials)" sinceearly laStyearhiighlighting the challengesthat the Irish agr'i-food: indusuy-will face in, a hard Brexit seen'ario, Weha?ve' been. very. much reassured that the Government is focused on 'thezcritizcal issues involVed', and understands: the. major challenges facing the seetOr-and the-Irish economy in; thecaftenna'thsofiBriexit. Already in 201 6, the; sector has, $6.611. a 1.088 inmevenue: of some ?570 millionas a' result ofthe devaluation. oftsterling sincertheg'referendum resultlaSt. June. With noabatement' since then in exchange rate losses, the industry revenue loss of over?El' billion. and place thousands, of jobs at risk. In recent discussions-With IF who have meeting: With An .Taoiseach-,. We agreed that ajoixitjrneet'ing,? representing. sector, farmers and food manufacturers, wo'uldf provide An Taoiseach with a useful hear. at ?rst hand-the economic importancezof the sectors; concerned, whose export sales flaS't year generated '61 11 billion in revenue, o-fiwhich'64 billion represented UK 3316.3, and ihccon?sequences that, in a hard Brexit scenario the scale: of hitsiness lessee willgreatlyr'exceed current diversi?cation alone will not be suf?cient to neg-ate the wider impact of such 'a ?acture in t?n'rcuket~ actiVi-ty. We ?W?Ou?ld like to brief An Taoiseach on what-our preferred outcome wOuld be from EU UK negotiatidns? ?and suggest aspects of policy: that We believe shbuld be included in the negotiating. mandate that would best-serve theint?erests of. the Irish :agj??fOOd Se'C?tor- into the: future. A meetingprior?to the commencement,ofthese formal nego?tiatiOns Wouldipr'oVide a. very: useful opporttu?ty- for An 'Taoiseach: to hear at ?rst hand the level to theII?ris'h- economy-sand our vieWs on the bestapprioachito protecting our vital national interests in. the agri?food sector, Yours Sincerely Philip Carroll Chairman . ?Meat Industry Ireland and BoardMember of Food Drink Ireland email. isSuecl on email received from -Acl(knqw_ledge and Refer Email Details- 1'3/03/20'1 7 Philip Cairo'll Chairman Meat Industry lr'eland: Details of Material Request for meeting email sent to Subject of email: Text of'email Youre?smeerely - 1.3! ?gt" philipjosephcarroll@gmail. com email to the Taoiseach Dear Mr Carroll Wish to acknowledge receipt of yoUr email of 8 March, 120-17 to the office 'of the Taoiseach .Mr. Enda Kenny 1;"i 9" . .133: .2: N__i?ck Reddy .- Private Secretary to the Taoiseach TelephOne: 01-6194000 E-mail: privateoffice@ta015each gov? ie .Eamonn Molloy For your adv-ice please Hietory-z- - Email Ack 8; Refer issued on byLorraine 'Watter's i5 March 2017 Mr. Joe Healy IF A Irish Farm Centre Bluebell Dublin 12 Dear Mr. Healy, wish to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 14 March 2017 to the Taciseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D.. Yours sincerely, Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach Eamonn Molloy John Shaw Paul O'Brien For information trisii Fanii Centre Tet [oil 450 0sz Bluebell' Duhtin 12, FHA loii isu I735 Emit inlu@ita.ie Web: ifaJe Enda Kenny TD l' An Taoiseaeh 5 [vi Government Buildings Mernori Street Dublin 2 14"1 March 2017 Dear Taoiseaoh, You are well aware that Brexit presents the most serious threat to Irish farming lino our agri-iood sector in the history of the State and is clear that agriculture must be top at the Brexit agenda. not only in Ireland but at EU level. Last week. launched its Brexit Policy Paper Brexit: The Imperatives Ior Farmers the Agfi-Foorl Sector - a copy oi which is enclosed for your information. am also enclosing the programme of a Brexit event which is hosting on April where the keynote address is being given by Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Rural Development Michael Creed TD Minister tor Agriculture, Food the Marine is also addressing this eventon what must be delivered in the Brexit negotiations to secure the interests of the farming and food sector As previously requested, i would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss IFA's key priorities tor the farming and food sector in the Brexit negotiations Please note that Elaine Farrell has been appointed IFA's Elrexit co-ordinator for the campaign in addition to her role as liaising With Oireachtes members and is available on elalneferrell(C)lte ier M: 086 2209699. I very much hope theta meeting can be arranged at the earliest possible opportlmity. Yours slncerely, Joe Healy Presidenh Joe Meaty Generah Damian McDonald Ackknowledge and Refer Email Details email issued on email received Eileen Sweeney from Details of Material Brexit email sent to Eileen.Sweeney@ictu..ie Subject of email: email to the Taoiseach Text of email Dear Ms. Sweeney I wish to (acknowledge: receipt of your correspondence dated 20 March 2017 to the Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D.. Yours sincerely, 05,4} 16 . 4/0ng Celine McEvoy Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach Telephone: 01-61-94000 E-mail: =?Eamonn Molloy 5/ For info History: - Ack Referl email created buttyzent yet (Victoria Maguire - 21/03/2017) an?; Eileen Sweeney T0 Liam Berney 20/03/2017 10:39 CC Subject Brexit Bulletin on Employment and Employment Standards T-o: TDs Dea-r TD The decision of the UK Government to leave the European Union poses a significant challenge for the ec0nomy in Ireland. In particular, there are serious potential threats to employment and employment standards. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has prepared the attached Information Bulletin to highlight the extent of the challenge we face. The aim of this bulletin is to encourage debate and engagement on this very important issue. I would be obliged if you would give this your urgent consideration. Yours sincerely Patricia King GENERAL SECRETARY Eileen SWeeney Programme Manager 65 O??ice/Social Policy Team Irish Congress of Trade Unions 31 ?32 Parnell Square Dublin 1 Telephone: 01 8897725 Email: eileen.sweeney@ictu.ie Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer. Beartas riom?hphoist an Oirea'chtais agus s?anadh. was Brexit Bulletin on Employment'and Employment Brexit: congress Calls: for Urgent Plan to ?Save Johs&Protect EmploymentStandards? hil'e uncertainty surrounds the Brexit process and the final shape of the departure from the EU, it is difficult to be certain how it will impact on jobs and livelihoods in this. economy. Soon after the UK voted to leave,, Congress published a document settin out the ke issues for workers and their families which must be prioritised'in the. negotiations on Britain's exit from the European Union. The British overn ent has since lished a ite er in which "they set out their overall poliCy Objectives for the process. More recently, the European. Commission also issued a white pager-that looked at the'future of Europe pOSt' Brexit. But the Irish government has not yet set out a detailed set of policy principles. It has highlightedsome. broad policy objectives for any Brexit negotiations, including: - Maintaining the Common Travel Area; - Preventing a hard border; - Protecting the provisions 'of the Good Friday Agree- ment. in practice and in spirit. But as of yet we have seen? no concrete plan that. will lead to the achievement of these objectives. Of particular concern is the failure of the Irish government to develop any strategy to protect jobs and employment standards in the eventof the ?Hard 'Brexit?. What would a ?Hard Brexit? ,mean for the Republic of Ireland? lreland is one-of the most globalised economies in the world; The'three biggest threats to our tradearising from Brexit are: - Impasition of trade barriers Currency fluctuations - Slowdown in the UK economy In the worst case scenario we could see the establishment of border controls between the UK and Ireland. Although both governments have emphasised their wish to see a ?seamless? and ?fri?ctionle?ss' border.. Congress believes this- would be extremely difficult - if not impossible - to achieve in practice. . .- p? In the aftermath of Brexit, goods produced in the'UK. would not be subjected to the same regulatory and stan- dards regime that applied across the EU, making some form of customs regime between the territories virtually inevitable. Therefore there is a, strong possibility that future trade' relationship between the EU (including the Republic of Ireland) and the UK will include a hard border with cus- toms barriers. There is also a strong possibility that godds crossing the border in both directiOns could be subject- ed to tariffs arising from the UK being outside of the EU Single Market. It is vital that we now begin to plan for the worst case scenario. A key consideration in any plan must be. to identify the most vulnerable sectors, of the economyand to design measures-that Will protect jobs and employment "standards in those sectors. What Jobs and Sectors are at Risk? The UK is lreland's- largest single country export desti- nation. Over ?39 billion was traded between the UK and Ireland, in 2015: ?15.5 billion in goods and ?235 billion in services. Drawing on data available from the ?Central Statistics Office, Congress has calculated that the Tetal' Net Selling Value of production (T NSV) 'in manufacturing was in ex- cess of ?115: billion in 2015 ('see Table 1). This sector is dominated by Food Beverage and Pharna/ Chem Many exposed manufacturing in? dustries rely on the UK for over.20%- of their raw material. it should also be noted'tjhathrrent WTO rule's impose a tariff of up to 50% on food trade. This-supports over 226,000 direct jobs in the. Republic. In the services sector the-Gross Value Added (GVA) is set out in Table 2. This supports up to 500,000 direct-jobs. it is clear therefore that the imposition of a hard border and the introduction of tariffs could seriously impact ?on the level of trade between the UK and Ireland, on the significant number of jobs that rely on this trade and alSo on employment rights. What does Congress Believe should be Done? in light of the very serious threat to the many thousands of jobs in the manufacturing'and services sectors, Con- gress will now seek an urgent engagement with the gov- ernment, opposition parties and business groups such as IBEC, with a view to ensuring that the Brexit negotiations deliver an outcome that protects and maintains workers? livelihoods and supports high standards of employment. Brexit presents us with an unparalleled challenge that will require a clear, co-ordinated. and strategic response. Cur- rent EU rules and short term thinking should not be used as an excuse when addressing; the potentially devastating economic impact of Brexit, a processthat itself raises doubts about the very future of the European project. PrivateSectorBulletln Mining and Quarrying ?534,456 4,300 Food Products ?20,477,992 48,000 Beverages ?2,369,142~ 5,000 Textiles and Related Products ?309,130 6,900 Paper and Paper'Prodricts ?1,279,603 6,800 Chemicals ?16,884,486 6,800 Pharmaceutical ?42,615,32_5 4,600 Rubber and Plastic Products ?1,276,470 36.0.00. Metals, Machinery and Electrical ?5-,594,209 6,000 Computer and Electronic ?13,247,6.14 49,000 Wood PrOducts. and Furniture ?23,474,442 26.000 Transport Equipment ?656,778 I 6,200 Other ?7,938,300 13,000 Electricity and Gas ?3,230 11,500 Construction ?5,434 131 .000 Water and Waste Management ?871 6,400 Wholesale and Retail ?18,748. 79,000 Transportation and Storage ?6,163 17,100 AccommOdation and Food ?4,112 51,000 Publishing and Broadcasting ?11,093 11,200 Telecommunications ?1,506 15,600 information Technology ?6,120 51,000 Financial SerVices ?15,560 81,000 Real Estate Activities ?14,392. 11,300 Legal and Technical ?6,655 26,000 Spring 2017 ?my . Fw: IFA Brexit Paper and Request to meet An Taoiseach John Callinan to: Eamonn Molloy 21/03/2017 09:44 Hide Details rom: John To: Eamonn 2 Attachments mi 2.2? i Irish Farming and Brexit.002.pdf Irish Farming and Brexitpdf Eamonn you might seek views thanks. John Forwarded by John on 21/03/2017 09:44 From: Nick To: John Cc: Eamonn Niamh Date: 21/03/2017 09:33 Subject: Fw: IFA Brexit Paper and Request to meet An Taoiseach Page 1 of 2 John, Will let you know if this is agreed to. have you any obs. Nick. Nick Reddy Private Secretary to the Taoiseach (See attached ?le: Irish Farming and Brexitpdf) Forwarded by Nick on 21/03/2017 09:31 From: Mark To: Nick Niamh Date: 21/03/2017 08:46 Subject: Fw: IFA Brexit Paper and Request to meet An Taoiseach Sent by: AnneMarie Durcan Forwarded by AnneMarie on 21/03/2017 08:46 From: Elaine Farrell To: Date: 08/03/2017 21:14 Subject: IFA Brexit Paper and Request to meet An Taoiseach Dear Mark, i hope this finds you well. r/l 12/12/2017 Page 2 of 2 I am attaching for your information a copy of lFA?s policy paper - Brexit: The Imperatives for Irish Farmers the Agri-Food Sector, which was launched today. Following on from our discussion in Dublin Castle a few weeks back, President Joe Healy would welcome the opportunity to meet with An Taoiseach to discuss our policy paper on Brexit, which outlines the serious issues for the farming and food sector and how exposed we are. As discussed, we would be happy to do this at a formal meeting or also the possibility of meeting on a farm in Mayo, or wherever would suit. I know you have a lot of travel in the coming weeks, but we would really hope that this could happen on your return from the US. I look fonrvard to hearing back from you on this. My mobile is 086 2209699. Kind regards Elaine Elaine M. Farrell, Brexit Co-ordinator/ Oireachtas Retail Executive, The Irish Farmers? Association, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12. Ireland Tel: 00 353 1 4500266 Fax: 00 353 1 4565146 Email: _elainefarrell@ifa.This e-mail and any ?les and attachments transmitted with it are con?dential and intended solely for the use of the intended recipient. Any review or dissemination of this e-mail and/or any ?le or attachment transmitted with it, is prohibited. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the IF A. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by return or at it@IFA.ie or contact the IF A at Irish Farm Centre, Naas Road, Dublin 12. This email message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses. (See attached ?le: Irish Farming and Brexitpa? ..anAo1 1?3/1?3l?3n1?7 AckkrioWledge and Refer Email Details email issued-on 7/ email received Danny McCoy from Details of Material Letter to An Taoiseach from Danny McCoy, lbec CEO email .sent- to Subject of email: email to Text of email: Dear'Mr. McCoy? I wish to acknowledge ?re'Cei?pt of yovr correspondence dated .5 April, 2017 to the Taoisea'ch, Mr: End?a. Kenny?T.D.. Yours?; Me McEvoy celine .gmcevoy; Secretary to the ~Ta,oi,s*ea,ch Telephone; Dir-6.1940001 E'email; cc Taoiseach John- Mark Kennelly For-information HiSto'ry: - A?ck= Referl email" created but V?nt- yet (Amy Me?hon' .lbec Forlrish VOICE OF. BUSINESS 5 April. 2017- MrEnda Kenny TD AniTaoiseach-y EndaKenny TD Department of'Taoise?aCh GOve'rnment Buildings Dublin 2. Re: Negotiations on UK withdrawal from the EU Dear'Taoi'seach, lt was encouraging 'to?see speci?c reference last week with the inclusion of Point 11' under "Arrangements. fof an ordeny the EU Draft Guidelines and item Under ?Pr'o'pose?d Principles far-discussant in the Prime Minister Teresa May's letter to Council Chairman Donald Tusk., The textrof these Opening positibns is a de facto' agreement to protect the Peace-E'Process and the BelfastiGood Friday"Agreememtg-Thisfjoint commitment is very; much welcomed by business across both Northern 'lrielan'd and the Republic. You and y0u?r G'abine?t cellea?gues, along With 'all those across bdth. governments, working on the negotiations-,are~ to be greatly complimented for securing this'critical ?rst step. Consequently =dUrifng your meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel we, would strongly encourage you to reassure herth'a?t. business on this 'island' is 'fUlly of- Principal? 11 of the draft EU Negotiating Guidelines. In :addition we. wish to pregress the ??exible and imaginativesolutibns? that? will be required to. avoid: a hard border and Goetly restrictions bn the movement cf-people goods. and'services w'hjile?frespecting thetintjegri?ty ofthe Union legal order", existing bialater'a'l agreements and With EU lava/7. We would also like to suggest that you highlight?how thetbtality bf the BelfaS'thood. Friday Agreements institutional arrangements can be utilised to the 'full .(given? all-party support). Promoting imaginative and flexible ways to protect and facilitate the all. island market. and future all island economic interaction and investment is- something'we? ejq?uaJIYfSee as vital to the economic interests of fall the citizens-on the iSland Of. Ireland. .And now doing 30 Will bOth economically, and'indeed desjure. alsobenefitjtheEUnasa whole, Indeed there is one challenge fer the. EU th?atxfOr evident and compelling reasons business on this island is totally committed to supporting: tackling internatiOnal terrorism. Consequently businesses across the island will continueworking in partnership with thetwo governments information Governments' requests and offering guidance from the experts Working at'the coal (face of'highly integrated production marketing and supply chains both phySical. and on line. To avoid the potential risks of constraints, costs and impediments that impact negatively on prosperity and employment: across the: island :of'li'elaind dif?cult issues can only- be solved in partnership Twith industry because: a. The benefits 'Of an all island market are being, leveraged: by SMEs and large companies in' many different sectors across- Northern _lreland and the Republic ag'rl food; energy; tourism; transponaand' logistics; and .- Suf?cient growth. to deliverzon job targets will be enhanced by companies operating in the all island- market? Continuing to do business in, the UK. EU and along. ?the island's border. - This could provide opportunities b?Ut. also creates: new .and- unprecedented challenges as a new legal and regulatory framework, isagreed to govern cross border basineSS. Finally we would. greatlyappreciate a joint meetingwith' your-soon. We .arerkeenvtoexmore in more depth and detail What and should mean in operational practice. Such as, When. ?there is a new Executive, arrangements-for the North South Ministerial Council .and indeed the British llrish. Councilto be key fofra for-all island bUSineSS to- interact and. engage more: fully. with inth?e critical months ahead (and, of course; if that, what? the .altema?t'ive- options to "degree. are?!) Yours sincerely Danny MCCOY, CEO lbec Angela ,MCGowa'n, Regional Director.'CBl 05/04/201713:34:35 Impuned em" for Reps Cremd By Lo/rame waters Edit Save Created on 05/04/2017 Tut to dlapl-y in view Imported Mall Mnssiga :Fw: Letter 10 An Tialseach from Danny McCoy, Ibu: OED From: Tauisaach'sWebMalI Dam: 05104121117 Tu: Lorraine cc: but: Suhje Fw: Leuer |o An Taoiseach 1mm Danny McCoy, lbal: CEO Forwarded by Tam'saach's Web Man on 05/04/2017 13:34 -- Tu . v.15 05/04/2017 12.43 Sublect leler An Taniseach < GREAT PLACE Beet . TO Workplaces 2&1? W?mm? To a: 12'" Subjecl Leuerlo An Taoxseach Ham Danny Mccuy. [Dec (:20 hazel.heggle@ibec.le 7 1 anachmem I7 04 05, to An Tamseach (m mac NI, ve Joint Leuer an Article 50 . .de Good aflernoon Piease find aflached joint letter rev Negafiations an UKWilhdraan "om EU. regards Executive Assistant to the CEO lbec 84/86 Lower Eaggul Street Dublin 2 D02 H720 +353 1 6051547 +353 37 900 7631 E. hazel.heggie@lbec is W: hllQ'waw ibecje Best Workplaces Ireland THE VOICE OF BUSINESS For irish Business 5 April 2017 Mr Enda Kenny TD An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD Department of Taoiseach Government Buildings Dublin 2. D02583 Re: Negotiations on UK withdrawal from the EU Dear Taoiseach, it was encouraging to see specific reference last week with the inclusion of Point 11 under ?Arrangements for an Orderly Withdrawal? of the EU Draft Guidelines and item under ?Proposed Principles for discussion? in the Prime Minister Teresa May's letter to Council Consequently during your meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkei we would strongly encourage you to reassure her that business on this island is fully supportive of Principal 11 of the draft EU Negotiating Guidelines. in addition we wish to progress the ?if/exib/e and imaginative solutions? that will be required to avoid a hard border and costly restrictions on the movement of people goods and services while ?respecting the integrity of the Union legal order?, existing bi?iaterai agreements and arrangements "compatible with EU IavV?. We would also like to suggest that you highlight how the totality of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement's institutional arrangements can be utilised to the full (given ail-party support). Promoting imaginative and flexible ways to protect and facilitate the all island market and future all island economic interaction and investment is something we equally see as vital to the economic interests of all the citizens on the island of ireiand. And how doing so will both economically. and indeed dejure, also benefit the EU as a whole. indeed there is one challenge for the EU that for evident and compelling reasons business on this island is totally committed to supporting: tackling international terrorism. Consequently businesses across the island will continue working in partnership with the two governments providing the information Governments? requests and offering guidance from the experts working at the coal face of highly integrated production marketing and supply chains both physical and on line. To avoid the potenlial risks of constraints, costs and impediments that impact negatively on prosperity and employment across the island or ireland difficult issues can only be solved in partnership with industry because: - The benefits or an all island market are being leveraged by SMEs and large companies in many dlfferent sectors across Northern Ireland and the Republic leg. agri food; energy; tourism; iranspon and logistics; and manufacturing). - Sufficient growth to deliver on job targets will be enhanced by companies operating in the all island market continuing to do business in the UK. EU and along the island's border . This could pmvide appartunities but also creates new and unprecedented challenges as a new legal and regulatory framework is agreed to govern cross border business Finally we would greatly appreciate a joint meeling with you soon. We are keen to explore in more depth and detall what "flexible and imaginative" can and should mean in operational practice, Such as. when there is a new Executive, arrangements for the North South Ministerial Council and indeed the British irish Council to be key fora for all island business to interact and engage more fully with in the critical ahead (and of course if not, what the alternative options to do so ara?l). Yours sincerel Angea wan, eglonal Director rage 1 or 2 -. Fw: IBEC meeting with An Taoiseach on Brexit Nick Reddy - to: Graham.Lennox 20/04/2017 12:44 Cc: Sarah Moran, Mark Kennelly Bcc: John Callinan Hide Details From: Nick To: Cc: Sarah Mark Bcc: John Graham, As discussed earlier, please see proposal from the IFA below. Nick Nick Reddy Private Secretary to the Taoiseach Forwarded by Nick Raddy/'1' on 20/04/2017 12:43 From: Elaine Farrell To: "nIck.reddy@iaoiseach.ie" Date: 17/04/2017 19:20 Subject: IFA IBEC meeting with An Taoiseach on Brexit Dear Nick, Thank you for your call last Thursday. Following on from our discussion, IFA along with food and drink trade associations are hoping to meet with An Taoiseach in a joint delegation on Brexit before the EU Council meeting on 29 April. As requested, the following are the list of IBEC Food and Drink Trade Associations that would be represented: Meat Industry Ireland (MII) Food and Drink Ireland (FDI) Irish Dairy Industries Association (IDIA) Prepared Consumer Foods Council (PCF) Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) Based on this, I?d imagine the total delegation would be about ten people. I know you were looking at week beginning Monday 24th April. We have a big Brexit event on the so that date will not suit, but I think you said the Taoiseach was unavailable that day In any event. Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th are the most suitable dates for IFA President Joe Healy. Would it be possible to have a meeting on either of these two days We will work around the Taoiseach?s diary. I look forward to hearing back from you on this. Kind regards Elaine Elaine M. Farrell, Brexit Co-ordinaior/ Oireachtas 8. Retail Executive, 12/12/2017 Page 2 of 2 The Irish Farmers' Association Irish Farm Centre. Bluebell, Dublin 12. Ireland Tel: 00 353 1 4500266 Fax: 00 353 1 4565146 Email: elainefarrell@ifa.ie BREXIT {steam The Event for Irish Farmers Goffs. Monday April 24th . . 0' I It. . . . ln4.socw'.'amm FBD Book your place now on ifa.ie/Brexit #lFAbrexit This e-mail and any ?les and attachments transmitted with it are con?dential and intended solely for the use of the intended recipient. Any review or dissemination of this e-mail and/or any ?le or attachment transmitted with it, is prohibited. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the IFA. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by return or at it@IFA.ie or contact the IFA at Irish Farm Centre, Naas Road, Dublin 12. This email message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses. vuvnls? on? lad-m Luvavau Re: 11? A meeting with An Taoiseach on Brexit Eamonn Molloy to: John Callinan 20/04/2017 18:39 Hide Details From: Eamonn Molloy/NlD/DOT To: John Callinan/EUAFF/DOT@dot John Will do. Eamonn Sent from my iPhone On 20 Apr 2017, at 17:20, John Callinan tuuiscuuhem .iu> wrote: Eamonn can you coordinate brie?ng thanks. Begin forwarded message: From: "Nick Reddy" Date: 20 April 2017 at 16:26:40 IST To: "John Callinan" tuuiscuclmm .ic> Cc: "Martin Fraser" iuuisuucii.uu\ "Mark Kennelly" "John Shaw" <.lulm.Shu\\? inoisuucl1.um "Eamonn Molloy" "may reuuwwinoiseuclu m" 17/04/2017 19:20 ., - IFA IBEC meeting with An Taoiseadi on Breatil Dear Nick, Thank you for your call last Thursday. Following on from our discussion, IFA along with IBEC's food and drink trade associations are hoping to meet with An Taoiseach in a joint delegation on Brexit before the EU Council meeting on 29 April. As requested, the following are the list of IBEC Food and Drink Trade Associations that would be represented: Meat Industry lreland (Mil) Food and Drink ireland (FDI) lrish Dairy industries Association (lDiA) Prepared Consumer Foods Council (PCP) Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) Based on this, I?d imagine the total delegation would be about ten people. ?le 26/01/201 8 Page 2 of 2 I know you were looking at week beginning Monday April. We have a big Brexit event on the so that date will not suit, but I think you said the Taoiseach was unavailable that day in any event. Tuesday 25?h and Wednesday 26"1 are the most suitable dates for IFA President Joe Healy. Would it be possible to have a meeting on either of these two days We will work around the Taoiseach's diary. I look forward to hearing back from you on this. Kind regards Elaine Elaine M. Farrell, Brexit Co-ordinalor Oireachtas Retail Executive, The Irish Farmers' Association Irish Farm Centre. Bluebell. Dublin 12. Ireland Tel: 00 353 1 4500266 Fax 00 353 1 4565146 Email: elainetarrell@iia.ie [a Brexil signature This e-mail and any ?les and attachments transmitted with it are con?dential and intended solely for the use of the intended recipient. Any review or dissemination of this e-mail and/or any ?le or attachment transmitted with it, is prohibited. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the IFA. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by return or at it or contact the IFA at Irish Farm Centre, Naas Road, Dublin 12. This email message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses. l'u.ie <0.F80.j peg.jpeg> IllInn-1n A v4 0 PW: IFA and FDII Eamonn Molloy to: John Callinan 28/04/2017 17:35 Hide Details From: Eamonn To: John 1 Attachment ?till? 170424 ATND IFA IBEC Meeting T.doc fyi Eamonn Molloy I International. EU and Northern Ireland Division Department of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 R583 eamonn.molloy@taoiseach.gov.ie +353 1 619 4319 Forwarded by Eamonn on 04/28/2017 05:35 PM From: Eamonn To: decian.kelleher@dfa.ie Cc: Brenda Date: 04/28/2017 05:35 PM Subject: IFA and FDII Declan Attached please ?nd a summary note of the issues raised by IFA and FDII at their meeting with the Taosieach and Minister for Agriculture. Food and the Marine earlier this week. (See attached ?le: 1 70424 ATND IFA IBEC Meeting T.doc) Eamonn Molloy International, EU and Northern Ireland Division Department of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 R583 eamonn.molloy@taoiseach.gov.ie +353 1 619 4319 12/12/2017 Summary of issues raised by the Farming Sector at their meeting with the Taoiseach 2:45pm Wednesday 26th April 2017 Sycamore Room Attendance IFA delegation: Joe Healy President Richard Kennedy Deputy President Damian McDonald Director General Bryan Barry Assistant Director General Rowena Dwyer Economist Elaine Farrell Brexit Coordinator/ Oireachtas Executive IBEC delegation: Philip Carroll, Chair Meat Industry Ireland Frank Stephenson, Group Chief Executive, ABP Food Group Jim Woulfe, Chief Executive, Dairygold Cooperative Larry Murrin, Chief Executive, Dawn Farm Foods Paul Kelly, FDI - IBEC Cormac Healy IBEC delegation Minister Creed Minister of State Doyle Aidan Driscoll, Secretary General Brendan Gleeson, Assistant Secretary of existing financing arrangements made available as part of Budget 2017. Mr Murrin referred to the issue of State Aids as being critical to the ability of the Government to put in place meaningful sectoral supports and asked that the Toaiseach and Minister look again at what was possible under this heading. Mr. Wolfe?s comments focussed on the issue of market access and, in particular, the dif?culties likely to be faced by the dairy sector in this respect. All farming representatives stressed the importance of early engagement during negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. They also laid stress on the criticality of early negotiation of an acceptable transition arrangement to allow a period of adjustment on both sides. Mr Egan raised the issue of the broader EU budget and the necessity of protecting the CAP going forward in the event of the departure. ceo@ibec.ie To enda.kenny@oireachtas.ie 3a: - iv?? cc I . 27/041201 7 ?'52 Subject New lbec Brexit guide 1 attachment ?Ck??47 7 Z. lbec Brexit Toolkit 25 March 2017.pdf Dear Deputy Kenny With formal negotiations between the EU and UK now set to begin, i am very pleased to attach a new lbec guide for managing Brexit An online version is available at The guide is designed to be an invaluable resource for our member companies as they work to understand how Brexit may affect their business, market, suppliers and customers. it sets out potential commercial implications, and proposes practical steps that companies can take to assess the risks and prepare a response. lf you would like some hard copies please email loanne.reynolds@ibec.ie. This is just one part of the signi?cant work Ibec is doing to support and-represent our members' interest during this period of uncertainty. Separately. we are actively working at a domestic level to ensure that Government and relevant state agencies respond swiftly and decisively to help businesses adapt to changing market realities. We need to take immediate action in areas under our control. Details of lbec's domestic policy proposals can be found at: domestic response. We are also working at a national, UK and EU level to ensure lrish interests are protected and advanced in the complex exit negotiations, and in the new trading relationship the UK will have to forge with Europe. In the coming weeks Ibec will launch a detailed policy document that will identify the key challenges that the negotiations present and offer practical solutions. Please get in touch if you have any queries or would like additional information. Yours sincerely Danny McCoy Ibec CEO (See attached ?le: Ibec Brexil Toolkit 25 March 2017.ng9 Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer. Beartas riomhphoist an Oireachtais agus s?anadh. Ackknowledge and Refer Email Details File Number: File Name Representations to the Taoiseach, 2nd May 2017 - 2nd May 2017 - email issued on 02/05/2017 email received Danny McCoy from IBEC Details of Material IBEC Brexit Guide email sent to ceo@ibec.ie Subject of email: email to the Taoiseach Text of email Dear Mr. McCoy wish to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 27 April, 2017 to the Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. Yours sincerely, Celine McEvoy Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach Telephone: 01-6194000 E-mail: Mark Kennelly, Paul O'Brien, Eainonn Molloy for Info (electronically) History: - Email Ack 8. Refer issued on 02/05/2017 14:32:29 to ceo@ibec.ie byCiara Manon [is Clialleved Atmtilliailii Hmisv CHARTERED "Month ACCOUNTANTS inn: Wu Ta mm: mam: Emailc. unonintnninhrnisn. is Deputy Enda Kenny TD Dell Eireonn Leinster House Klldare 5t .. uuisiin 2 12 May 2017 Custams and Brzxit: Consequences and Costs Dear Deputy Kenny, Chartered Accountants inland :arrled nut a survey of businesses [lading With the UK and has found that there is a lack of practical knowledge and understanding of customs regulations and practices among irish businesses which could prove costly when the UK leaves the EU. and without 2 trade agreement, customs duties will typically add anything between 2% and 50% or even more to the cost of imports and exports between Ireland and the UK, Even lithe outcome 0! Brexi' talks between the UK and the EU results in free trade, there will sfill he customs controls applied. As an oil--island body with more than 25,000 members working in every sector ot the economy, Chartered Accountants Ireland is uniquely placed to identify the challenges and opportunities whirh Brexll hrings, You'll find enclosed the results af our survey which highlight that practical solutions must is: developed to provide: . Assistance with the skills deficit among the SME sector - Straightforward customs clearance procedures - Funding options for the additional customs duties and - The preservation of the Common Transit Ares enables goods to be shipped from lreiand to Mainland Europe via the UK without customs penalties, The is providing the findings offlils survey to the shree main authorifles involved with :usmms administratlnn -- the Revenue HM Revenue and and the EU Commissinn if you would like further information, please Contact us at any 'ime. Vows Sincere ly Llam President, Chanered Accountants lrsiand km .s lel <Page 1 of 1 FYI: Quick stakeholder report: Dublin Chamber of Commerce= 8 June 2017 . Andrea Pappin to: brexit 08/06/2017 17:30 Hide Details From: Andrea To: brexit 1 Attachment 03L: l70618 PPT Brexit Dublin Chamber F1NAL.pptx John Callinan spoke at a Dublin Chamber of Commerce event this morning to brief their members on the latest developments on Brexit. Audience was around 60 people, in senior corporate roles, from a variety of sectors. Attached is a new PowerPoint presentation developed for this event - there are a few things to be tweaked further in this presentation, which we?ll circulate as soon as possible. In the meantime, presentations are being ?led here: UK Referendum\5. Negotiation period (from 29 March) \Communications\Presentations Questions posed from the ?oor (paraphrased!) 0 Could we end up in a situation where the EU and the UK appear in front of a court re the ?nancial liabilities? Contingency planning is so dif?cult with so much up in the air. Is it that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed or will issues be agreed in stages? 9 There is an assumption that a Hard Brexit re the Exit deal means that this is the end. Could that still be trade discussions after a bad exit? 0 Senior of?cials in the UK. how well prepared are they? 0 What about the whole politics of this - there are a lot of new faces around the European Council. is that going to work? We need new allies in the EU. What work is happening with that? Who are the new allies? How long is this going to take - particularly the option of transition? What can businesses proactively do to help with Brexit? About the Common Travel Area - is it true that this only applies to people and not to goods and services? Could the Common Travel Area be a solution to our all-island trade issues? 0 When will we know there is ?suf?cient progress'? What?s the timeline on that? A (See attached ?le: 1 70618 PPT Brexit Dublin Chamber FINAL. pptx) Andrea Pappin British-Irish and Northern Ireland Section International. EU and Northern Ireland Division Department of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street. Dublin 2, 002 R583 andrea.pappin@taoiseach.gov.ie +353 1 619 4390 +353 87 7987769 0.htm 12/ 12/2017 Today - Our overall approach 0 Our structures - High level priorities Engagement About Article 50 How it works - Timeline since 29 March The political backdrop The Irish approach to negotiations - Keychallenges Next steps Brexit negotiations Our approach Contingency planning Appropriate Structures in place Ongoing detailed analysis High level priorities established Ready for Article 50 Extensive engagement (NI, GB, EU) negotiations Continuous communications activity Any opportunities pursued Brexit negotiations Our approach: Appropriate Structures I Government I I Cabinet Committee on Brexit I I Inter Departmental Group of Senior Officials I D/Taoiseach Each State Thematic Embassy 0/ Foreign Department Agencies Working Network Affairs core Groups team Brexit negotiations Our approach: Our key priorities Economy and Trade Northern Ireland GFA, Peace Process, Common Travel Area Future of Europe .- It I . KLBrexit negotiations Border Our approach: Engagement Northern Ireland Other Member States Britain EU Brexit negotiations Article 50: How it works Article 50' exit negotiations Headed by Michel Barnier, EU Task Force 0 EU27 unity, ?No negotiation without notification? - Four week cycle to the negotiation process - 2 year process of negotiations - Deadline can only be extended unanimously - Must take account of ?framework for future relations? - Decision by modified QMV, if not agreement, then hard exit Transitional arrangements? Clear need for transition arrangements - Are factored into the main negotiation guidelines Future Relationship negotiations Started once there is ?sufficient progress? of exit phase Can only be finalised after the UK leaves Brexit negotiations Article 50: Since 29 March 29 March PM May sends formal Article 50 letter 7 April European Parliament adopts resolution 29 April European Council (Article 50) agree overall negotiation guidelines 22 May EU ministers (GAC) agree detailed negotiation directives: Exit issues: Financial liabilities, citizens rights, borders lrish issues: Peace Process/GFA, border, Common Travel Area - ?flexible imaginative solutions required EU 27 Working Group up and running 19June Formal negotiations expected to start (to be confirmed) Complicated political . Europe: I Key elections (Netherlands in March, France in May, Germany in September) . UK: I 18 April PM May announces General Election I 8 June UK General Election polling day I 19 June Formal EU-UK negotiations to begin Northern Ireland: I 27 April political talks suspended I 29 June Deadline for end of (resumed) NI talks Brexit negotiations Irish approach to negotiations Ireland and the negotiations on the Detailed paper published (2 May) panama? YMvav-nm?\ mm? a 5? .. ., Our priorities reflected in negotiations Unique Irish issues addressed Will adapt to timing and sequencing Build alliances where relevant Want to discuss future relationship ASAP Recognise transitional arrangements needed Want closest possible EU-UK relationship Want to keep close Ireland-UK relationship Continuous stakeholder engagement communications "onimvads'c lunar) Nvurc ?1:1;th canon 310mm moi-two Brexit negotiations Irish approach: Key challenges Sectors most at risk (Agrifood, Tourism, Energy, Fisheries, Transport/Aviation, etc) Customs (tariffs, regulations, procedures) Transit of goods via UK territory Other regulation issues Jurisprudence/dispute resolution EU budget and funding streams Brexit negotiations Irish approach: Next Steps Negotiations commence 19 June Strive for ?sufficient progress? as early as possible Prepare for discussion on future relationship and transition Work under way on economic impact of Brexit in Consultation process continues Brexit negotiations Irish approach: What you can do Contingency planning (Enterprise Ireland/Bord Economic opportunities (IDA/Enterprise Ireland) Market intelligence, domestic international (All- Island Civic Dialogue/ Representative orgs/State consultation bodies) Invest in stakeholder consultation feedback processes (All-Island Civic Dialogue/Representative orgs/State consultation bodies) Keep up to date - sign up to get our Brexit Updates (Merrionstreet.ie) Brexit negotiations Our key priorities - Economy and Trade - Northern Ireland GFA, Peace Process, Border Common Travel Area - Future of Europe Brexit negotiations \0 Norm," "Elm Northern Ireland Chamber 1' +44 (one soza 4n: Chm", of Comm," of Commerce and industry '44 (0)25 9024 7024 and Indus"), 4--5 Denegail Square South mail@narthemirelandchamber.com Belfast SJA 15Jun62017 Leo Varadkar TD An Taoiseach Department of the Taoiseach Government Buildings Merrion Street Upper Dublin 2 Ireland DearLeo On behalf oi the President Ellvena Graham, the Board and the Exewtive Team at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and industry (Ni Chamber). I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the Republic of lreland's new Taoiseach. We were delighted to hearof your appointment and look forward to meeting you in the near future. NI Chamber is a member of Chambers ireland and the British Chambers at Commerce and we are working with both to develop the Northem Ireland economy. i would be delighted if you would consider speaking atone ofourkeynote events in the near future such as the Presidents Banqueton 16 November 2017. It you are agreeable please contact me by email at or telephone 078 70780720. With best wishes and regards on behalf oi Northem Ireland Chamber of Commerce and industry. Yours sinoorel Ann McGregor MBE Chief Executive (yummy R27 are VII No. 254 4276 as r-oa 25:35:95 An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD cm Department of the Taoiseach .. Government Buildings Upper Merrion Street A I Dublin 2 ?it" 2,1413% f. . a. g. Iii" r' r' ?5 .Z-a - - gs. i? -, ELLE . i 1- i if?: a ISJune 2017 3a .9 - 51 e: 3 352-: - I Dear Taoiseach, Chambers lreland would like to offer sincere congratulations to you on your recent election as the leader of Fine Gael and on your appointment as An Taoiseach. We would like to acknowledge your excellent work as Minister in your previous portfolios and we wish you every success as you lead the country into our next era of opportunity. Driving the economy forward is a shared goal and we commit to working with you, your Ministerial team and their Departments to guide, develop and implement policies which will ensure both the country?s economic growth and the continued creation of quality jobs into the future. We will engage with your individual Ministers on our specific policy priorities, but would like to draw your attention to the broader issues which we see as strategically vital to ensure we can maximise the opportunities that lie ahead; increased infrastructure Investment there is an urgent need to significantly increase our level of capital investment, particularly in the areas of tranSport, housing, education, broadband and childcare. New perspectives on funding to facilitate the investment are necessary. 0 National Planning Framework there is a need to forge ahead with a robust spatial planning framework, embraced by the stakeholders vital to its implementation, which will allow city regions to grow into drivers for regional and national development, with suitable strategies to ensure benefits to lreland as a whole, is an imperative for our members. Culture of entrepreneurship - it is important that our current and future entrepreneurs are supported in their innovative and risk-taking ventures, and are valued by society as the creators of jobs and taxable income, and as contributors to ireland?s economic and social wellbeing. - Competitiveness international developments in several economies such as the growth in protectionist pronouncements, a focus on lowering corporation tax rates and reviewing perceived regulatory burdens all reinforce the need for Ireland to ensure it improves its competitiveness and continues strong, effective public expenditure management and reform. Fr: 1-: ulm?i lb {Nb-5 7223 '31-0227: L-u?aml is a twinned Liam-52. .z-u -.- :2 1m Cr- -.-.-3 tr ?int-awn: c-l' duh-hi twists-ac Citing Nam 75! - Uni-t Fan-o: 9:1:12-1 .2. 012?. Tim! "Vnh . -. xlilu'? r. ?mm. - 'Mfmd F. ?wear-'3. $431.!qu . 47.. I'Jri'th'f t'nvu Ha Tait-:4 i250 hrs-ct l. it. wean: . ic?m ?2931,, ?tter. Lira-.1. t, nr. 1W- Gun-r4, i-atl . . I - u- 0? .. everlaymg all of these topics are issues which are tuuce: to our society, not least a comprehensive roadmap tortlle transition to a carba ee economy, the need ior policies and investments which Support equality, ensuring we remain at the forefrum of tire digital economy and preparing for future demographit challenges across the age spectrum. Finally, we no not underestimatexhe challengeswnich Brexn will hilng to all ufus. We stenti ready to work with Government to prepare tor the di -uptious which may lie ahead. in addition we would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, together with our colleagues and affiliates in the Northern lreland Chamber otcammerce and discuss our respective issues and concerns as negotiations commence. Once again, we would like nffer our congratulations to you personally am: assure you oi our willingness and desire to work tugether to make Ireland greater. Yaurs sincerely, Ian Talbot Chief Execmive lbec: For irish BLiSiriess 16 June 2017 Tsaiseach Leo Vaiadkar Department of the Taalseach Government Buildings Dublin 2, D02 R583 DEar Taniseachr formal negotialiuns between "'12 EU and UK shading, i am pleased to enclose a copy Hf a new Ibec report - Eraxii: Challenges with snlulinns the report sets oul the position and priorities at irish business across a range of key issues it identifies some oi the numerous chaliengss Brexit presents and identifies pracllca! ways these can be overcome. it also highlights the significant alleviation measures that may be required |u support businesses and the econemy in the ease ei a divisive. disruptive split. The recent UK election result offers a new for the UK in change its hard Brexit trajectory. The lbet: report chens a pragmatic way forward. The report does not, hewever. waver the wlde range of acllons that will be needed at damestic level In prepare iraiend Brexit. which we are setting out separately lbs: lepresanls en apan. dynamic and rim--European business cummunlly at aeep substance and diversity We are working trretessiy at a national. UK and EU level In ensure interests are protected and advanced In exit negotiations. and in the new lradlng relallanship the UK will have to forga with Eurepe. Together with uur member companies. we leek tnrward in working with government. other memner states. the EU institutions and the UK to achieve the besl possible outcome. Yours sincerely. Danny MeCny lbec CEO 'L'ec cig rerenrsieree in imiend ngistmlion No time oreeiars Jun: Hemly inesiuanti. Erie! Creeiy. Lao meinru Golly Co'im 17w <it i i iiefidfle oniaii memo.- onlygoisii e. on i nos ism Ireland omit>> . as reisirsim re iretsno . ouz N720 Leo varadltar, An Taoiseach 6 July 2017 Taciseach Government Buildings Upper Merrion Street Dublin 2 002 R533 Re: Tackling the rates burden Dear Taoiseach On behalf of Retell Ireland please (Ind a oopy 0' nur latest policy paper Tackling the tales burnen'. paper [allows 0" (mm the successful launch of 'Si'mping th: Future af Irish Ram" 2010' - a strategy fur the by Retail Ireland and its members. Retail lrelarid is the representative body tor the entire retail sector in lreland and is affiliated to thee. Our members come irorn every sector ot retail. including department stores. DIY. eleolncal retailers. ioshion and footwear retailers. major supermarkel groups. symbol groups, iorecourl and specialist retailers, Commercial rates are a lorm ol local |axatinn on business and are altecling lretand's competitiveness and negatively impacting town centre renewal. it is our view that a iairer, more transparent commercia rates system that recognises the contribution mode by retail in each oi the 31 local authorities is needed Overhauling our snliqualed commercial rates system needs to be combined with ambitious local government relorrn that delivers greater elliciency and cost competitiveness in service provision. Retail Ireland and its members support a pragmatic approach to this issue and recommends that central government introduce a Valuation Bill by the end of 2017 and redouble their effor|s to progress local government retorm. Retail lrelarid would like to see the lollowing recommendations incorporated within these retornis: 1. introduce a centralised collection process 2. Slop linking rates to rents 3. Relorm the revaluation system 4. Frogras on lucsl government relorm 5. Increase local property tax intake On oehalt ol Retail Ireland's members. I would ask you to consider the enclosed paper which calls ior an overhaul at our commercial rates system supported by local government to ensure the continued vibrancy oi the retail sector which is coming under increasing pressure lrom rislng costs. including local authority rates. I would be happy to discuss this matter lurther should you wish to do so, and remain available to meet it you so wish. In the meantime. would Ilka more irilonnation please do not hesitate to contact me on -- 605 1553 or at \hOlnas.Durke @lbeCJE. AX Yours Sincerely. Thomas Bulke Direclnr Helall lrelano is can ol loco olg which is registered in heland Registration No me Directors . Anne Hemty tFresidontl, Eool cieoly. Leo Crawlord. Gerry Lorry Muriin. Kamldy Danny McCoy Linn. D'Dunnghul. Feraic Curtis. Kevin anon Siobhan ialoot Manley. Alastair aluir. Richie aoucher. Funk Giecson. Calhrlona Hattahan. Tony Smurtit. Retail Ireland is the leading public affairs, government relations and trade representation body for the Irish retail industry. We represent a broad mix of the very best in Irish retail from global multiples to indigenous lrish chains to smaller, independent and stand-alone operators and are proud to be the voice of Irish retailers. Retail lreland operates as a dedicated unit within lbec, Ireland's foremost business, enterprise and employers group. lbec and its sector associations, work with government and policy makers both nationally and internationally, to shape business conditions and drive economic growth. We also provide a wide range of professional services direct to members. Visit and for more information. Retail Ireland 84/86 Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2 Tel: 01 6051500 Businesses, not central government, are the primary source of income for local government in Ireland. Thus, local authorities have a significant impact on business conditions and cost competitiveness in their area through commercial rates and other charges. At present Ireland?s commercial rates system is too expensive and inef?cient to operate. A fairer, more transparent commercial rates system that recognises the significant contribution made by retailers in each of the 31 local authorities is needed. Overhauling our antiquated commercial rates system needs to be combined with ambitious local government reform that delivers greater efficiency and cost competitiveness in service provision. The Irish retail sector is a driving force in the Irish economy employing over 280,000 people in every town and village across the country. The sector is also the biggest contributor to the Irish exchequer, generating 23% of total tax receipts in Ireland. This is more than twice that of Ireland's second largest sector, financial services which accounts for 11%. Few sectors were as hard hit by the economic downturn and subsequent recession in Ireland. While the economy has enjoyed a sustained recovery, compared to many other sectors, the recovery in retail has been modest and retail sales values remain significantly off their peak. Sales values in 2016 grew by only 1.9% compared to 2015?s growth of De?ation and heavy discounting continues across most categories of retail with consumer prices now back to 2009 levels. Allied to weakening consumer demand and lower margins, retailers have also had to contend with significant increases in labour costs, rents, rates, energy and insurance costs. Britain?s decision to leave the European Union poses a further ongoing threat to the Irish retail sector. Retail is either the largest or second largest employer across all regions. Unfortunately, employment growth in retail continues to be slow and below expectations growing by only 2.3% (6,300 more employees) in the past four years. These growth figures are very disappointing when you consider that employment in retail declined by over 45,000 from a peak of some 320,000 in 2008. Retail development is critical to the vitality of every lrish town and village. As an active member of the Retail Consultation Forum Retail Ireland welcomes the coherent and collaborative approach taken by government through the Framework for Town Centre Renewal, to rejuvenate and revitalise towns and villages around the country. Apart from the positive economic impact retail has on its communities, many retailers also play an important role in improving the communities where they operate by supporting a range of social and environmental causes. Innovation in technology and changing consumer demand represent both a compelling opportunity and considerable challenge for Irish retail. ?Migration towards online shopping has increased signi?cantly in the last ten years, with the number of people who shop online increasing from 19% to 50%. Currently 75% of online purchases are made from international online retailers, who have no physical presence in Ireland, pay no commercial rates in Ireland and make no contribution to the Irish economy or our communities?. International online retailers have a massive competitive advantage over high street retailers who continue to struggle with increasing overheads and falling consumer demand. For the majority of retailers the three biggest input costs are labour, rent and local authorities rates. Given the range of challenges facing the retail sector over the coming years, and its key economic and social role in Irish society, every effort should be made to control and reduce costs. Within the industry there is growing concern that in the case of commercial rates, the current system is adding an unnecessary burden and cost to doing business. In 2017 total business contributions will directly account for ?1.47 billion or 34% of the total local government budget. This represents a 10% increase in the total value of commercial rates collected since 2010. Such increases put a great strain on retailers who are currently operating within very tight margins and are under pressure from a high cost base and acute currency pressures. Greater cost competitiveness in key areas such as labour and rents, along with reducing and minimising government imposed costs like rates, would support and facilitate growth in the Irish retail sector at this time. The current valuation system which underpins the commercial rates-setting process is arcane and not fit for purpose. The lack of reliable and consistent information on the methodologies used in valuing key assets is creating uncertainty amongst retailers. This lack of information decreases Ireland?s competitiveness, as it discourages growth and expansion and deters overseas investment. Retail Ireland acknowledges the Valuation Of?ce's efforts to become more transparent and provide an interactive service through Navdirect. However this system is very dif?cult to navigate and inconsistent. The following example, taken from Navdirect, shows that two supermarkets of similar size, in the same local authority but on opposite sides of the road are being charged different prices per meter squared. Why such a difference exists is unknown to Retail Ireland, the supermarkets themselves, neighbouring businesses or perspective businesses considering an investment in the local area. 1 Retail Ireland. Shaping the future of Irish retail 2020 [internet]. Retail ire/and (sited 201 7 May 26]. Available from Supermarket 1,418.16 5 ?110.00 Supermarket 1,431.95 ?95.00 136,035.25 Commercial rates are a form of local taxation on business and are affecting Ireland's competitiveness and negatively impacting town centre renewal. Retail lreiand recommends that central government introduce 3 Valuation Bill by the end of 2017 and redouble their efforts to progress local government reform. Retail Ireland would like to see the following recommendations incorporated within these reforms: 1. IntrodUCe a centralised collection process 2. Stop linking rents to rates 3. Reform the revaluation system 4. Progress on local government reform 5. Increase local property tax intake Local authorities have dif?culties with cash collection and debt management due to economic conditions, staffing and resource pressures. According to the review on debt management (July 2014) commissioned by the Department of Public, Expenditure Reform, making minor improvements to collections and debt management for commercial rates would yield an additional ?106 million per annum. More fundamental reform to collections would reap greater gains. For example, in 2014 only 73% of total commercial rates due were successfully collected, with individual local authority collection rates varying from 56% to 92%. The net result was approximately ?220 million remaining uncollected for the year in which it was levied. Focusing on the rates of collection only tells part of the story. The programme of local government reform has so far neglected commercial rates administration. There has been no attempt at introducing a national shared service for commercial rates. The cost of administering the fragmented commercial rates system is approximately ?31 million per annum. The total commercial rates bill in England is ?254 billion, over 17 times the total value of the commercial rates collected in lreiand. Yet the cost of collection in that jurisdiction is only a little over 3 times that in the Republic of Ireland, at ?95 million. This highlights the urgent necessity to radically alter the current system in order to improve its ef?ciency. The high level of non- compliance and the inef?ciency of rate collections is putting unnecessary pressure on compliant retailers and reduces local authorities ability to invest in the streetscape and commercial vitality of our towns and city centres. The ef?cient solution would be a centralised collection procedure. Retail ireland proposes that the Of?ce of the Revenue Commissioners should be given the responsibility for the collect of commercial rates. On current performance, Revenue could do this for a third of the current administrative cost, at an ef?ciency rate of 0.83%. This would reduce the level of non-payment, in addition to building on administrative efficiencies saving ?16 million a year. Such an approach would bene?t from Revenue's experience in rolling out the LPT, which has a high degree of compliance. it also has well-established mechanisms for dealing with customers in positions of hardship. Savings made through a centralised collection process should be used to reduce commercial rates across local authorities. Without reform of the collection and debt management processes our town and village centres will become less competitive and attractive locations and will lose their ability to compete against online retailers. The antiquated process of allowing each local authority set the annual rate on valuation (ARV) common to all commercial and industrial premises in their respective areas using the rateable valuation set by the Valuation Office, is resulting in many retailers being hit disproportionately, irrespective of company size, employment headcount, pro?tability and location. This link also does not take into account where a neighbouring property has bene?ted from the ban on upward-only rent reviews or where a large retailer or anchor tenant has been able to negotiate a lower rent over smaller retailers. The inherent unfairness oithis system means that retailers whose leases still include an upwards only rent review provision, and therefore do not re?ect the market rent, pay higher commercial rates than other retailers, as high rents ultimately lead to higher commercial rates. The national revaluation programme currently underway is the first general revaluation of all commercial property in the State since the middle of the 19th century. This system which underpins the commercial rates?setting process is arcane and not fit for purpose. For example, in 2014 under the national revaluation programme a shop and forecourt in Limerick employing 10 full time and 25 part time employees saw their commercial rates bill increase from ?7,228 to ?26,630 per annum. After appealing the revaluation rate their commercial rate reduced to ?21,449. While the Valuation Office sought and received information from the retailer, the Office was unable to provide an explanation as to what scheme or methodology they used to calculate this new rate. in addition, the revaluation process is designed to be revenue-neutral for each county. It has already created 'winners and losers? in local authority areas where revaluation has occurred. it is estimated that 60% of businesses will see a reduction in their rates bill. However, 40% of businesses will face higher charges. For some these could be substantial and unforeseen and make business planning very dif?cult. Local authorities should not impose higher commercial rates on those intending to appeal the results of the revaluation process. Companies should not face an increase in their rates-bill until the appeals process has been concluded. This will give greater certainty to retailers in areas to be revalued. The current system is rigid and in?exible as valuations can only be revisited if there has been a material change of circumstances to a property. Thus, if a retailer has expanded or reduced the size of its surface area, it can apply for a new valuation to be set. However, a retailer that has lost business due to the impact of a major infrastructure development or a new larger competitor locating nearby is not Considered for a material change of circumstances. Furthermore, if we are to maintain our national competitiveness and minimise the impact of Brexit through encouraging investment and attracting new retailers into the market, commercial rates and the methodologies used in valuing key assets must be open and transparent and in line with other countries. in Northern ireland retailers pay similar commercial rates but water and waste services are included in this rate while retailers in ireland must pay those in addition to commercial rates. The UK completed the revaluation process of roughly 73,000 businesses in three years. To date, revaluations have only been completed in six rating authority areas and completion of the overall national revaluation programme is not expected until 2021, highlighting the slow pace and overall inefficiency of our revaluation system. if the Government are to ensure the bene?ts of economic recovery are felt in every part of the country, and want retail to play an active role in the regeneration of rural Ireland, they must act now to reform the revaluation process to ensure retailers all over Ireland pay rates at a level which are reasonable and reflect economic reality. The current public sector reform programme aims to make local government more effective and ef?cient. Recent changes have seen the number of local authorities reduced from 114 to 31, including the abolition of all 81 town councils, and a number of service areas and responsibilities removed from local authorities on ef?ciency grounds. Efforts at local government reform should be redoubled. This should include more ambitious use of shared services to cut waste and duplication; improved public procurement practices; and a greater use of new and proven technologies. Also, each local authority should undertake detailed analysis of services currently provided and identify those appropriate for external service delivery. Commercial rates are a form of local taxation, mostly to fund services that businesses do not consume. Local authorities use business to balance their books. In other words, retail picks up the tab for any expenditure gaps or funding shortfalls that arise in their annual budgets. In recent years reductions in central government contributions and other revenue sources have resulted in local authorities becoming ever more reliant on local business for their revenue. This is not sustainable. Business decisions and planning require certainty and local authorities need to provide this to their rate payers. Currently retailers are receiving demands for annual increases in rates running into several hundred percent. Such increases are completely unmanageable and cannot be planned for. Where increases in commercial rates are warranted, Retail Ireland would like to see a system of phased or gradual increases introduced. This new system would limit how much a bill can change each year as a result of revaluation. In 2017, four local authorities redueed the Local Property Tax rate by 15%. The approach taken by these local authorities is unsustainable. it amounts to a combined revenue loss of ?30 million. On a positive note, there has been a rise in local authorities voting against cutting the LPT rate since its introduction. Local authorities that have cut the LPT rate continue to look to local businesses to plug any resulting shortfalls in funding. Increased revenue from the LPT should be used to ensure our town centres and city centres are revitalised and regenerated as thriving, exciting places to live, visit and spend time. At the same time retail, one of the largest contributor to local authority finances should see increases in service provision which have been radically reduced or withdrawn in recent years. As retail shifts towards omni-channel retailing, physical retail space will be transformed and retailers may potentially require less traditional space in our town and city centres in the future. Innovation in such spaces is required to ensure they are still attractive places to visit for consumers. In order to maintain retail?s key economic and social role in Irish society, we must seize the opportunity to reduce the cost burden on Irish retailers and improve the competitive position of a vital sector of Ireland?s economy. To do this Retail Ireland believes that responsibility should be given to the Revenue Commissioners to collect commercial rates in order to reduce the level of non-payment. Central government should work to replace the valuation process with an open and transparent system and local government needs to deliver more effective and efficient services. These changes can only be brought about through a new Valuation Bill supported by continuous local government reform. Retail Ireland accepts that an overhaul of the commercial rates system will be a signi?cant undertaking for government and that time, support and commitment from local government, and a number of government agencies, will be needed if we are to deliver more ef?cient and effective services that bring consistent value. However such an overhaul is required to ensure the continued vibrancy of the retail sector which is coming under increasing pressure from rising business costs, including commercial rates. This paper was jointly produced by Retail Ireland and lbec?s Policy Unit. aims irl . 35: I ans i500 own" 2 gm lnlo?ibec le Ivelnna wnb: w-w ibrv: {a For lrish Busnness H72u 12July2017 r1. . 1 2 Mr Leo Varadkar TD Taoiseach and Minisier for Defense Department of An Taoiseach Govemmeni Buildings Upper Merrion Sireei Dublin 2 D02 R583 Dear Taoiseach Congratulations on your recent appointment as Taoiseach and Minister for Defense. I have the pleasure of enclosing a shun brief on ihe priorities of business for your portfolio and hope we could arrange a meeting at your earliest convenient to discuss in more detail. My office will be in touch over [he coming week io follow up and arrange a meeting. I wish you every success in your new role Yours sincerely, Danny McCoy cc Brian Murphy. Special Adviser Dr Patrick Geoghegan. ecial Advisor Angela Flanagan. Specia Advisor lhec is rugislared in Ireland Regishahon Na we Direcrois . Anne Hemly [Fresvdenli Edei Clealy. Lea meford. Gerry Colilns um Mimi" John namely. Danny Maccy. Llam Duncghue. Pzizic Cums, Kev" Toma. Ellen Maccra- iobhan Tiloel. F'nlrick Manley Blair. films Fm"; Gluaino. Hallahan. Vony 5mm For Irish Bus Brief for An Taoiseach Busil?gss prlorltles_ . and 2017 Brief for An Taoiseach Business context In the global race for investment, it is critical that Ireland does not lag behind its competitors when it comes to infrastructure investment and the cost of doing business. The country is at the very bottom of the EU league table for infrastructure spending, yet Ireland has the fastest-growing population. There has never been a more cost effective time for Government to borrow money and despite the many uncertainties we face. there is no reason not to be confident about the Irish economy's potential for growth and continued success. The substance that Ireland has built up over the last quarter of a century means that if Government puts in place the right conditions, Ireland and its businesses are well poised for the challenges ahead. The following is a set of priorities from business for the Department of An Taoiseach (DAT). lbec?s business priorities and solutions 1. Protect and prepare Ireland for a UK exit from the European Union ?kw? Ireland Is uniquely exposed to the risks associated with the UK withdrawal from the EU. For Ireland. the relationship with our closest neighbour, ally, and of course competitor. is set to change fundamentally. This presents numerous and very serious challenges to the economy as a whole, and the individual businesses affected. How? An Taoiseach should: secure commitments in any EU-UK deal that recognise the unique economic and political challenges that Brexit presents to Ireland; putting in place a range of contingency measures including provisions on travel and labour market rights, while addressing Ireland?s trade exposure and the challenges presented by the land border with Northern Ireland 4- ensure the EU provides a state-aid framework to enable companies to trade successfully through Brexit?s disruption, retain UK market share, and diversify ensure, through work with EU colleagues and the UK, comprehensive transitional arrangements to avoid a precarious ?cliff edge? scenario, and allow business time to adapt to a new trading relationship retain Ireland?s cost competitiveness by being vigilant against excessive labour costs increases; and take strategic decisions to improve cost competitiveness in areas such as energy, regulatory and insurance costs 4- ensure a level playing field in relation to Ireland?s business tax offering for indigenous business. This is in the context of a raised possibility of Irish SMEs servicing the UK market from within because of potential trade restrictions post-Brexit, and the more preferable tax treatment of SMEs in the UK collaborate with colleagues ensure the closest possible EU-UK relationship post-Brexit 4- ensure a smooth and orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU by working with EU colleagues and the UK to promote a fair financial settlement and a comprehensive agreement on the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and UK citizens in the EU. 2. Brief for An Taoiseach Safeguard Ireland?s position in the European Union Why? In a challenging global environment. the European Commission has launched several papers (and intends to launch more) on the future of the EU to generate a discussion between members and within member states on the future of the Union. It is critical to our competitiveness that this, does not lead to a two tier Europe that disadvantages Ireland. How? An Taoiseach should: support improved cooperation and communication between euro and non-euro member states, working towards a strong and resilient single currency that will benefit Europe as a whole, not just the Eurozone countries continue to engage constructively with EU27 partners post-Brexit on Irish strategic issues promote positive relations between the EU and the UK post-Brexit secure flexibility in existing EU fiscal rules to allow for infrastructure investment to stimulate growth and competitiveness, through work with Cabinet support and promote pro-enterprise single market policies, particularly in the digital economy area. Accelerate the EU and Ireland?s development as leading globally competitive digital economies Why? Completing an effective EU digital single market framework (DSM) and full adoption of digital technologies could be leveraged to add ?27 billion to our GDP and have a posltive net effect of up to 140,000 jobs by 2020?. The appointment of a Minister of State (M08) in DAT with expanded responsibility for data protection and the EU digital single market has been positive. Ireland has made progress. but accelerated digital development through a ?whole of government' approach at both national and international level is required in order to complete the DSM framework and respond to challenges2 such as Brexit and increased global competition for mobile digital talent and investment. How? An Taoiseach should: build on the success of the position of for data protection and the DSM, expanding the role into a broader post for Digital Affairs3 that advises Cabinet and promotes Ireland as a digital economy 1- ensure that the expanded role of the builds on the success of the interdepartmental committee (IDC) established to respond to DSM implementation, by broadening the remit of this IDC to co-ordinate and deliver ?a whole of government response? to advancing our digital economy and delivering the DSM 4- ensure that the engages with stakeholders through a new mechanism such as a digital economy board of advisers, working in parallel to the national data forum, to assist the government and IDC in advancing Ireland?s broad digital economy agenda accelerate the development of a DSM that secures trust through smart regulation; ensures the free flow of data; attracts mobile digital talent and investment; promotes the development of skills; and encourages digital entrepreneurship and continued investment in digital infrastructure and innovation? continued over 1. Boston Consulting Group (2016) Digitizing Ireland How Ireland can drive and bene?t from an accelerated digitized economy in Europe. 2. lbec (2016) Can Ire/and take a bigger byte? 3. For example Belgium's deputy prime minister is also the minister for their digital agenda. 4. lbec (2016) Implementing a DSM that works Brief for An Taoiseach 4- ensure any future free trade agreement between the EU and UK will contain a comprehensive chapter covering digital trade and data flows between the EU and the UK, and facilitate the closest possible post-Brexit co-operation continUe to invest' In Ireland? 5 data protection and cyber?security frameworks to protect our growing digital economy. About lbec lbec is Ireland?s largest and most influential business representative. We proudly speak on behalf of 7,500 lrish businesses; home grown, multinational, big and small, spanning every sector of the economy and employing 70% of the private sector workforce in Ireland. Together with our 40+ trade associations, we lobby government and policy makers nationally and internationally to maintain a positive climate for business and drive economic growth. Our policy is shaped by our members through the work of our board, national council, policy committees and trade associations. We regularly produce market leading industry and business events, positions on issues impacting business, economic research, forecasts and analysis. We also provide a wide range of professional services and management training to members on all aspects of human resource management, occupational health and safety, employee relations and employment law. With 200 staff in 6 offices around Ireland as well as an office in Brussels and connections in the UK. and Washington, lbec communicates the Irish business voice to key stakeholders at home and abroad. Olfig an Taoisigh Office of the Taolseach 17le July 2017 Mr. Ian Talbot Chambers Ireland Newmoum House 22-24 Lower Mount Street Dublin 2 Dear Mr, Talbot, Thank you so much for you: letter. It's an enonnous privilege to have been elected as Taoiseach and to lead my party. I have found the first few weeks to be really interesting and stimulating. I know there is so much to be done and am humbled by the level of support and goodwill have received to date. Thank you again. Yours sincerely>> Leo Varadkar Taoiseach 0mg an 13mg], mm an Kimms, mile Ann 2. Office of the Taoiseach, Government Buxldings, Dublin 2 Qua-amen- . Department of the Taoiseach Government Buildings Upper Merrion Street Dublin 2 002 R583 18 July 2017 Dear Taoiseach The Northern Ireland Council for Racial Equality is an umbrella organisation that represents the Black and Minority Ethnic organisation in the North of Ireland. and its Black and Minority Ethnic member organisations would like to congratulate you on your recent appointment and wish you all the best! We also want to commend the Irish Government for its commitment to protecting the Peace Process, the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area; and for ensuring the economic, social, cultural and the best interests of all citizens on the island of Ireland through the recent Irish Government Statement on Brexit preparations. Since the Brexit referendum, our campaign continues raise the issues on our economy of EU and non-EU migrants, peace process, equality and human rights under Good Friday Agreement. We seek retaining and protecting the Common Travel Area, a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland under GFA, a special status for Northern Ireland and EU member states as well as securing the right for Irish citizenship option based on equality and human rights principles. We have started to raise our concerns at the All-Island Civic Dialogue events, various political parties in the North and South, various ROI government committees, independent senators, our partner organisations in the Republic of Ireland, trade unions and equality and human rights organisations. We are also seeking a meeting with the Minister oflustice and Equality to discuss the Irish citizenship right for EU and non-EU nationals who have acquired the indefinite leave to remain or permanent right to reside in NI in order to give certainty for all migrants and minimise productivity disruption. In most cases, such individuals are family members of Irish born nationals. The NI Council for Racial Equality would be very honoured to work with the government as you move forward addressing the impact of Erexit particularly on equality and human rights of ethnic minorlties. In this regard, we would be interested in meeting with you, at the earliest opportunity to discuss the option of Irish citizenship. Thank you for considering our meeting request. in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us, if we could be of any assistance to you on this matter. I enclosed our lrish Citizenship campaign documentation for your Information. Look forward to hearing from you soon Vours sincerel Lrnlurl Io!nma} Chair of NICRE Board Email: @hotma:l.co.llk, Tel: +44 7808401278 Patrick VU, Secretary of Board, Patrick@nicre.nrg 7 Rugby Road, Belfast, BT7 1P5 Cc: Mr Charlie Flanagan, TD, Minister of Justice and Equality, NICRE Board Members Brexit and Irish Citizenship Rights Campaign The aim: To secure an Irish citizenship right for non-Irish/non-British people with permanent right to reside and Indefinite Leave to Remain in NI for the free movement within EU Background Prior to the Belfast Agreement (the Agreement), the six counties in the North are part of the Ireland under Article 2 and 3 of 1937 Constitution. This means that ethnic minorities who were legally living and working in the North should has the same equal rights as an Irish citizen. Unfortunately, the Agreement1 has not reflected their Irish citizenship rights, as they contributed to the Northern Irish society during the con?icts, which is discriminatory under 1937 Constitution, the Belfast Agreement and applicable international human rights law. Moreover, the Agreement stated that any Irish or British born national has a right to dual nationalityz, and as per Annex 2, all persons born in NI to a parent who is otherwise entitled to reside in NI without any restriction3. The right of adult i.e. parents or siblings of an Irish born child to Irish citizenship has not been covered by the Agreement which is also discriminatory. According to the Irish Citizenship and Nationality Act 2004 which implements the Agreement, any new born of ethnic minorities background before 1 January 2005 will automatically get the Irish citizenship. For those born after 1 January 2005 if either parent ful?ls the criteria under 2004 Act, the new born will be an Irish?. But ethnic minorities prior to the Agreement; and parents or siblings of Irish born children after the Agreement can only, on very special circumstances, apply for Irish citizenship, but this is at the discretion ofthe Minister forJustice and Equalitys. We firmly believe the principle of equality before the Law and non-discrimination under the 1937 Constitution, the Agreement and applicable international human rights law; and accordingly demand that ethnic minorities prior to the Agreement should automatically granted the Irish citizenship. Moreover, anyone who acquired the permanent residency and Indefinite Leave to Remain status under the UK immigration law in NI after the Agreement, has the same equal right to Irish citizenship in exercising Article 1 self-determination rights of the Agreement?, as an Irish, British or both. The recent Supreme Court decision in United Kingdom on Brexit7 undermines the Agreement in which all the rights enshrined will he disappeared when Article 50 kicks in. Therefore, we need to protect the integrity of the Agreement. Our recommendations to the Irish government are as follows: 0 Protect the rights and the integrity of the Belfast Agreement; To retain and to protect the Common Travel Area, under which people, animals and goods, facilities and services are freely to move; 0 To support a special status that based on the Agreement between Northern Ireland and EU which would ensure freed movement rights between Northern Ireland and EU member states; 0 To amend the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004 enabling anyone who acquired the permanent residency/Indefinite Leave to Remain and naturalised as British in Northern Ireland has an equal right to the Irish citizenship. 1 See paragraph 1 under Constitutional Issues of the Belfast Agreement, especially 1(ii) and 1(vi) 2 Paragraph 1(vi) provides that ?recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Government and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland.? 3 Annex 2 provides that "The British and Irish Governments declare that it is theirjoint understanding that the term ?the people of Northern Ireland? in paragraph (vi) of Article 1 of this Agreement means, for the purpose of giving effect to this provision, all persons born in Northern Ireland and having, at the time of their birth, at least one parent who is a British citizen, an Irish citizen or is othenivise entitle to reside in Northern Ireland without any restriction on their period of residence.? 4 See new 6A of the 2004 Act under the title ?Entitlement to Irish Citizenship of persons born to certain non-national?. Section states that person born in the island of Ireland shall not be entitled to be an Irish citizen unless a parent of that person has, during the period of 4 years immediately preceding the person?s birth, been resident in the island of Ireland for a period of not less than 3 year or periods the aggregate of which is not less than 3 years.? 5 Section 14 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 provides that ?Irish citizenship may be conferred on an alien by means of a certificate of naturalisation granted by the Minister.? 5 See note 2 above. 7 Reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland- in the matter of application by Agnew and others on Judicial Review. The full judgment could be accessed through the following link page: uksc-ZO16-0196-judgmentpd Estimation of people who will opt for Irish citizenship in Northern Ireland that based on the rights from the Belfast Agreement Summary: 1. It is estimated around 12,000 ethnic minority people who were resided in Northern Ireland during the Belfast Agreement; 2. It is estimated around 20,000 ethnic minority people who were resided in Northern Ireland in post Belfast Agreement; 3. It is estimated around 12,846 ethnic minority new born between 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2016 Base on the assumption that EU, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are unlikely to apply for the Irish citizenship. In 2001 Census, there were 20,204 people born outside Europe, including white people from North America, Antarctica and Oceania. We estimate that a large proportion are from ethnic minority. Unfortunately, the 2001 Census did not have details breakdown on ethnic minority group. But table K506: Ethnic Group of ethnic minority population, including those born in Northern Ireland, UK, Republic of Ireland as well as Irish Traveller. Census 2001 Census 2011 Northern Ireland 1,534,268 (91.048%) 1,608,853 (88.85%) England 61,609 64,717 Wales 3,008 2,552 Scotland 16,772 15,455 (0.854%) Republic of Ireland 39,051 37,833 (2.089%) Other EU 10,355 45,290 Elsewhere 36,163 (1.997) (2001 Census, Table K505: Country of Birth and 2011 Census, Country of Birth-basic details, tabie The details of key ethnic groups under Table LS06 in 2001 Census are as follows: White: 99.15% (1,670,942) Traveller: 0.1% (1,685) Mixed: 0.2% (3,770) India: 0.09% (1,517) Pakistan: 0.04% (674) Bangladesh: 0.01% (169) Other Asian: 0.01% (169) Black Caribbean: 0.02% (337) Black African: 0.03% (506) Other Black: 0.02% (337) Chinese: 0.25% (4,213) Other ethnic group: 0.08% (1,348) Total: 14,325 people are from ethnic minority background There are total 14,325 ethnic minorities, including those born in Northern Ireland, UK and Republic of Ireland as well as Irish Traveller. Without Traveller, the total number of ethnic minorities (non-white group) is 12,640 in 2001. Based on two sets of data above, we estimate that less than 30,000 people who were resided in Northern Ireland during the Belfast Agreement in 2008. These include 10,355 EU nationals who is highly unlikely to opt for Irish citizenship; over 8,000 white people who is also highly unlikely to opt for lrish citizenship due to their passport status, by marriage and/or Irish descent from North America, Antarctica and Oceania; as well as the rest of around 12,000 from non-white ethnic minorities who are highly likely to opt for Irish citizenship. In 2011 Census, the advance of technology and the demand from ethnic minority communities asking for more details breakdown for those born outside Northern Ireland which could assist us on an overview estimation of the potential group that based on the rights under the Belfast Agreement to opt for an Irish citizenship when they have acquired a full permanent residency and inde?nitely leave to remain status. Based on Table QSZO8NI, Country of Birth in 2011 Census, there are total 81,453 born outside Northern Ireland/UK. With 45,290 from EU which is unlikely to opt for Irish citizenship; 6,999 from North America and Caribbean in which both Canada and US is unlikely to opt for Irish citizenship; and ?nally, 2,468 from Antarctica and Oceania which is also unlikely to opt for Irish citizenship. For those come from Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand they might be Irish through Irish descent status. After subtracts those unlikely to opt for the Irish citizenship, there are 26,419 ethnic minority people who is highly likely will opt for the Irish citizenship. Considering the double counting for those people who were resided at the Belfast Agreement, there are 14,410 ethnic minority people, as result of migration, who is highly likely to opt for the Irish citizenship. Adding the net migration between mid-2011 to mid-2014 is 4,587, therefore, the estimation for the Irish citizenship due to inward migration in post Belfast Agreement to now is over 18,997. As result, the estimation in 2017 is around 20,000 ethnic minorities who are highly like to opt for the Irish citizenship. The break-down of the key ethnic groups that based on their nationality are as follows: (Table QS208NI, Country of Birth in 2011 Census) Europe EU: 45,290 Germany 3,908 Latvia 2,297 Poland 19,658 Portugal 1,996 Romania 1,094 Slovakia 2,681 Other EU 6,315 Europe non-EU: 1,917 Russia 349 Turkey 377 Other non-EU 1,191 Africa: 5,581 North Africa 725 Central Western Africa 1,108 South Eastern Africa 3,690 Africa, not specify 58 Middle East Asia: 17,293 Middle East: 1,071 Eastern Asia: 4,498 Southern Asia: 6,042 South East Asia: 5,625 Nigeria Other Central Western Africa Kenya South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe Other South Eastern Africa lran Saudi Arabia Other Middle East China Hong Kong Other Eastern Asia Bangladesh India Pakistan other Southern Asia Philippine East Timor Malaysia Thailand 543 565 301 1,847 285 657 600 282 269 520 2,223 1,906 369 360 4,796 620 266 2,947 894 705 469 Singapore 274 Other 326 North America/Caribbean: 6,999 Canada 2,323 United States 4,251 Caribbean 314 Other 111 Central America: 194 South America: 875 Antarctica Oceania: 2,468 Australia 1,750 New Zealand 584 Other 134 For further reference: Table KS06: Ethnic Group http:/ kg? archiveZcensu51?2001/ results/key? statistics Ethnicity, Identify, Language and Religion data set {55-3-20} Ethnic Group (Settlement 2015) New Born from non-British and non-lrish mother Between 1997 to 2014 there were 9,736 new born from the former A8 countries and 17,427 from all other countries, including other EU countries such as Germany, France, Portugal, as well as 255 new born did not specify where their mother coming from. Another set of data of the same source also found that there were substantial numbers of others EU new born between 2001-2005 which amounts to 1,187 in the five years? period. The peak of the A8, to certain extent to all ethnic minority community, is in 2012 2014. Therefore, the actual number of non-white ethnic minority new born between 2005 to 2014 is 11,846. Considering the double counting of other EU countries, it is estimated at around 26.29% of the total number of all countries. Therefore, the estimated number of non-white ethnic minority new born between 2005-2014 is 12,846. Births by country of birth of mother, 1997 to 2014 Year Total births A8 countries All other countries Not stated 1997 24,087 2 542 25 1998 23,668 3 548 35 1999 22,957 6 S79 31 2000 21,512 5 584 32 2001 21,962 12 649 29 2002 21,385 16 708 21 2003 21,648 21 875 29 2004 22,318 34 1,096 35 2005 22,328 118 986 16 2006 23,272 390 1,058 nil 2007 24,451 775 1,170 2 2008 25,631 1,080 1,267 nil 2009 24,910 1,113 1,205 nil 2010 25,315 1,235 1,238 2011 25,273 1,210 1,267 nil 2012 25,269 1,201 1,258 nil 2013 24,277 1,257 1,186 nil 2014 24,394 1,258 1,211 9736 17427 255 (Annual Report of the Registrar General 2014, Table 3.15) Births by Country of Birth of Mother, 2001- 2005 Year Total births Other EU All other countries Not stated 2001 21,962 207 455 29 2002 21,384 186 537 24 2003 21,648 228 668 29 2004 22,318 232 898 36 2005 22,328 334 770 19 1187 3328 (Annual Report of the Registrar General 2005, Table 3.15) is") r? ,4 Summary Note of Meeting Between the Irish Farmers Association _and the Minister of State for European Affairs in relation to Brexit Thursday 20 July. 2017 - Department of the Taoiseach Attendees Helen McEntee, T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs Aingeal Donohue, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamonn Molloy, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach Brona Olwill, Of?ce of the Minister of State Joe Healy, President, IFA Damian McDonald, Director General, IFA Elaine Farrell, Brexit Co-ordinator, IFA Meeting The IFA delegations briefed the Minister in detail on their concerns in relation to Brexit. These included The likely effect of Brexit on the Irish economy in general and the Agri-food sector speci?cally Agri-food trade with the UK 0 Trade with Northern Ireland 0 Challenges posed by Brexit key asks from the negotiations Deutsch-Irische Industrie- und Handelskammer Clip) German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce Dr Leo Varadkar Dail Eireann Kiidare Street Dublin 2 Dublin, 25?h July 2017 Dear Deputy Varadkar, As you are undoubtedly aware, Ireland, as the EU member state most connected with Britain, is at particular risk from the market volatility that Brexit is likely to bring in its wake and needs the full support of its EU partners to mitigate the impact of the UK leaving the EU. Given that Ireland and the UK trade over ?21 billion worth of goods and services every week and over ?60 billion per annum, the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce has serious concerns about the very real Brexit~related difficulties faced by businesses on the island of Ireland, including the negative impact Brexit could have on employment and economic growth. The German-Irish Chamber has comprehensively set out our concerns in a report which suggests that the decision of the UK to leave the European Union will impact more negatively on Ireland than any other EU economy. This report also contends that Brexit is the most profound economic threat to Ireland in a generation. The Chamber has been keen to ensure that key EU decision-makers understand the immense challenges Brexit will present for businesses operating in Ireland and for the Irish national economy. With this in mind, the German-Irish Chamber of Ireland ensured that our report would be available in English and German and this document was launched in the Bundestag, Germany's Patrons 2017: Audi Ireland - Patron of the Year 2017 Siemens - LK Shields - Arthur Cox - CRH ple Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking - DZ Bank Ireland - Allianz - Bayer - RSM Ireland - SAP Google Ireland - arvato Bertelsmann - SBCI Ornua - Jungheinrich - Sixt rent a car - IDA Ireland - Deutsche Bank - AerIingus - Johnston Logistics - MieIe - Aareai Bank - Canada Life BSH Botany Weaving State Street Audi Ireland Fin" Deutseh-Irische Industrie- und Handeiskammer I German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce A CE 5 Fitzwilliarn Street I Dublin 2 I 002YH95 I Ireland I Tel +353- I-642-I 300 I Fax +353-l-6424 389 I inlottrgerman-irishje wwmgennan-irishie I . I so so? German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce is a company limited by guarantee Registered in Dublin. Ireland No 78978 I Registered Difrce: 5 Fitzwillianr Street. Dublin 2 I CEO Ralf Lissel: (German) I List of all directors contained on website I VAT No IE 4600630 0 I Commenbanlt AG Bonn I 1, 53111 Bonn I IBAN BEES 3804 0007 0258 0884 00 I BIC COBADEFF I Bani: of Ireland I lower Baggot St. Dublin 2 I IMN IEGB BOFI 90H 9060 -ll 72 62 I EIC BOFIIEQD I Quality is our busind'r Qualitat in now Gcseirilt Dcutsch-lrisch: Industrie- und Handelskammer German-Irish Chamber - cl lnduslry and Commerce national parliamem, in Berlin at the end or May. We are very grateful to by Dr Joachim preiirer, spokesperson orthe Economics at Energy Committee in the German Parliament, ior oriicially launching our report and also contributed to the document This event was attended by members of the German media and by the Irish Ambassador to Germany, Michael Collins. The report was subsequently circulated with a Ietteroi endorsement try Dr Preirier to members oi key committees in the aundestag, including members oithe Economic Atrairs and Energy Committee; the Budget Committee; Finance Committee; Committee for Alfalrs oithe European Union; Committee Ior Foreign Affairs and the Committee lor Food and Agriculture, I am attaching a copy orthe letter Dr Pieiffer sent to German parliamentarians with a full copy oi the Germanalrish Chamber's report I know that Erexlt will be a major part oi your own parliamentary work in the period ahead, Hopefully, vnu will find this document uselul in yourdeliberatlons, The German-Irish Chamber oiCommerce is working hard to ensure that Ireland is insulated from the fallout from Brexits Ifwe can be Dfany assistance to you in your work, please not hesitate to contact me at 01 6423000 or Yours sincerely, Ralf Lissek, CEO Chamber PS: The report is also available as a digital version on Dul' website, Patrons 2017: Audi Ireland Fallon or the Vcarzon Siemens - shields -- Arthur Cu 7 CRH nit- - Bank ui Ireland Corporate Biinking oz Bank Allianz - anyer lisM lrelnnu - SAP- Ganglc Irc .intl - mam SBCI - ninua lull a car - IDA erlanfl Bank A - [Dyislirs - Mielc Aareal Bank - Canada BSN . Botany Weaving - Slate Slice: Andi Ireland Lit?! isoml innatnnaeit nurture unrnantmaneri comma. tanme Grin>>: I i limnfl I In I n. onion in amoneei ummlubuu Noirlill flryixlumflil ~sr.o..ihan .teloeumrimmutwiom ram "momma", sinwmiimn IEM inn aonaamnnaeiuruorntaoi unn. i, .a nu as. . . Dr. Joachim Plelffer Mitgfled dos neuleolrerr Eundesoagas To the members oltne Plelz der Reouolik I Ecunamic Afhils ll Energy Committee lidil Berlin Budgel Committee Olfica Edi-$5 JakobKa'lserrHaUs, Finance Committee Run"- 5358 ior Allairs uftns European Union the (0) 30 227--75213 Committee for Foreign Affairs #49 (D) 30 227>>76214 Commlfiea for Fund and Berlin. 25.06 2017 Report -- Ireland, Germany and the EU: Meeting the Brexit Challenge Dear Sir/Madam. dear calleagL/ss, On 29th March 2017, the Uniled Kingdom delivered its application to leave the European Union (EU) to the President oitne European Council, Donald Tuskr This unpreoedenled desire from a Member Slate to leave the EU is a major luming point and a loselose situation ior all parties invalved 4mm a foreign policy. economic, and financial perspective. While this applies to all Member States it is especially true for lreland. Even though the country remains a part ol the EU, Erexit could have very serious consequences for me lrish economy The impact that Erexit could have an Ireland, We and German companies is atthe heari oline Brexit Repon, "Ireland. Germany and the EU: Meeting the Brexit Challenge". The Report was drawn up on the initiative at the German-Irish Chamber of lndusiry and Commerce. the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry' and Dr Juachim Pfeirfer, Spokesperson for the CDUICSU Economics Br Energy in U19 German Parliament it sets out to poll|lcal decision-makers the difficultifi for [he Irish and European economy resultan from Brexil. It is made clear that lrelano must nut; under any oircumslanoes, he cut on final the European market it is also imperative that the peace process is not ieopardised. Germany and the other EU Member states, will also be enacted by the United Kingdom's exitlrom the European Union The report is attached to this communication and is available online at 2017' We hope that you will ilnd this publication a uselul tool in support your work. as well as interesting and iniol'mative reading Please do not hesitate to Contact us ii yau have any lur|her questions. Yours iaitlriully, Dr Joachim Pfelffer Ralf Lissek -. 1 Small Firms Association Budget 2018 priorities um. ixlifaritm a. taoiseach 03/08/2017 17:53 2 attachments mi SFA Budget 25;; Priorities.pdf picZ4464.gil llnda.barry@sfa.ie Totaoiseach@taoiseacn.govae 03/08/2017 16:31 cc subjemSmall Firms Association Budget 2018 priorities Dear Taoiseach, Please ?nd attached a short overview of the Small Firms Association's Budget 2018 priorities. in light of the restrictions on the ?scal space for Budget 2018, the document focuses on a small number of issues. The SFA believes that these actions will create the biggest impact with the available resources, by supporting small businesses to create more jobs, engage in greater levels of innovation and contribute to creating vibrant communities. Myself and my colleagues are available to brief you and/or your team on the issues contained in this document. Don't hesitate to contact me by phone or email to discuss. Kind regards, Linda Linda Barry Acting Director, SFA 84/86 Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2 D02 H720 T: +353 1 605 1626 M: +353 87 1472811 B: linda.barry@sfa.ie W: Find me on Linkedln or follow the SPA on Twitter @sfa_irl ,p mall Firms Association CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE - The information contained in this email message is intended only for the con?dential use of the named recipient. if the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering it to the recipient, you are hereby noti?ed that you have received this communication in error and that any review, dissemination or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately. (See attached ?le: SFA Budget 2018 Priorities. pdf) eCorr Details: Sent to eCorrespondence on 03/08/2017 By Amy MahonView the Department's Mail Disclaimer F?ach F?gra S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne Ref' 3008l7 "ween/en i I AUG lel THE FAMILY FARM 30 . 7 7 Jam Feely Hausa. Dublin Rosa. Limerick. Ireland. v94 sza Tel. +353 (0)61 3'4677 Email nnlo@icmsa.is Web An Taoiseach. Mr, Lee Varadkar, T.D. Governmem Buildings, Upper Men-ion Slreel. Dublin 2. Dear Taoiseaclg. 7 s, 7 The major changes that are currently being discussed at EU level regarding Bi'exi! and the future of die CAP are of critical importance In every single farm family in the cnuntry and to the Wider agri--food sector. Policy decisions taken over the next two years will determine the future of our sector and indeed that of rural Ireland. Against this background I would like, on behalf of the Association, Io invite you to address our 2017 AGM. We plan to hold the AGM in lale November/early December. Mindful of me many demands on your time we would set a dale which would lie in with your schedule ifyuu are in a pusition to address our AGM. The AGM will be held in Limerick and will be attended by ICMSA deleyles from all over the country. John Comer. President. THE FAMILV FARM ORGANISATION I PM) \id" Page 1 of 3 "catharlne COfny" T? Sent: 15 September 2017 20:20 Subject:Correspondence case T0425 7-201 7 John For your information attached is the pre-budget submission from the Higher Education and Research Committee of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. regards Teresa The Correspondence Case T04257-2017 has been emailed to you by Teresa Doolan. Please ?nd Case Details below: Contact Details Contact: Mr. John McGrane Email: Address: Newmount House, 22-24 Lower Mount Street Case Details Medium: Email Correspondence Date: 2017-09-15 Due Date: 2017-09-29 08 20.html 71/1 1 nm ?7 Page 1 of 1 roszepartment of Taoiseach Sent:15 September 2017 13:22 To:Mr. John McGrane Subject:Auto Reply I acknowledge receipt of your email. Your correspondence will be brought to the attention of the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. Is mian liom a admhAiil go bhfuarthas do Cuirfear do ar aghaidh chuig an Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. View the Department's Mail Disclaimer FA?ach FAsgra SRGanta Momhnhoist na Roinne . an Inn N?Y?Wf?nn? In.. n1 ?3?3 1am! Oifig an Taoisigh September 2017 Office of the Tamseach Ms, ['amela Arthurs Ch iel' Executive Officer Eusl Bot-tier Regions 2 Munaghan Court Newr)' 0 Down 5 6 BH Dear Ms. Altlturs. l'he 'l'umseach has asked me to refer runner to your recent letter regarding the impact and challenges of Brexit for the Border Corridor Luca] Autlmrily Group. The Government has sought to protect the interests of the island as it whole in its extensive preparatory work on Brexit. Continued freedom of movement. absence ofan economic border. and protection of the Good Friday Agreement are key objectives fat the lrish Government. Engagement with stakchuldels has been it core feature ofour preparations for Btexit. To date there have been two plenary sessions ol'the All-Island Civic Dialogue hosted by the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Eighteen All-Island Sectoral Dialogue hosted by Ministers have also been attended by over 1,500 industry and civic society representatives from across the island. These sessions were an Invaluable opportunity for the Government In engage directly with stakeholders most impacted by Brexit, including on an nll>>is|and basis. Extensive political and diplomatic engagement has ensured that lreland's concerns and priorities are reflected in the EU's negotiating position and we will continue to engage with our EU partners and the UK to ensure the best possible outcome However we are nol under any illusions about the complexity negotiations and continue our detailed analysis and policy responses to prepare for In this context the Tauiseacl-l has suggested that his officials meet with you to discuss the findings of your report into the potential impact of Brexit on the Border Corridor. Please Contact Michelle Hendricken (Tel: 0] 6194008 or if you wish to make an'angetnents For such a meeting. Yours sincerely Teresa Doolan Taoiseach's Private Office 0mg an Taoistgh, Tithe an Rialtais, Baile Alha Chaih z. Otltre a! the raoiseaclt. Government Buildings, Dublin 2 email type Regret Acknowledgement Email Details File Number: File Name email issued on 06/09/2017 email received Ann McGregor from Chief Executive Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Details of Material email sent to Subject of email: Your email to the Taoiseach Text of email Dear Ms. McGregor, The Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., has asked me to refer further to your invitation to speak at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Industry President's Banquet, on 16 November 2017. The Taoiseach has asked me to say that, due to a prior commitment, he regrets that he is not In a position to accept your kind invitation. The Taoiseach suggests that you might consider contacting Ms. Frances Fitzgerald T.D., T?naiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation for her consideration. The Taoiseach extends his best wishes. Yours sincerely, Niamh O'Brien Appointments Secretary History: - Email Reply - Regret - Issued to (Niamh O'Brien - 06/09/2017) Note for File - Meeting with Global CEO Deloitte - 11 September 2017 Attendance: Taoiseach, Brian Murphy, John Shaw, (DlTaoiseach), Punit Renjen, Brendan Jennings (Deloitte) Following introductions, Mr. Renjen briefed on Deloitte?s growth globally and in Ireland. There was a general discussion about economic developments in Ireland and globally, including trends such as globalisation, digitalisation and demographics driving change. Other topics covered included possible scenarios arising from the Brexit process, political and economic developments in the US including on tax reform, and availability of suitable skills in Ireland and globally. The Taoiseach noted Deloitte?s role in a number of public service projects including Ireland?s 2023 WRC Bid, as well as sectors such as health and transport. Finally, the Taoiseach thanked Deloitte for their continued level of investment and job creation in Ireland. John Shaw 12$eptemner 201 7 . Fwd: AmCham Board Meeting . may Glare Q'tiuliivan l' l. Lena Jacobs 17/09/2017 16:46 2 attachments Begin forwarded message: From: "Brian Cotter" Date: 15 September 2017 at 17:35:07 IST To: Subject: AmCham Board Meeting Ma ry-Clare, Re a steer on the contents of our Presidents remarks when he meets the Taoiseach later this month at our Board meeting. Although the structure is still evolving i think we have a good picture of his agenda and I?ll let you know if anything is added . 0 General remarks - will touch on ?Ireland's Global Footprint 2025?, navigating the EU post-Brexit, Government?s commitment to a certain, transparent and competitive corporate taxation regime and importance of resourcing critical functions like the Central Bank, Revenue, ODPC and the National Cyber Security Centre . No substantive issue will be raised in these overview remarks. 0 Theme one: issues requiring urgent attention including accommodation (in particular the rental/apartments sector), accelerate broadband delivery, improving transport mobility in Dublin, enhancing regional access (noting the NW in particular) and international connectivity (transport and energy) and the role of income tax policy in retaining and attracting talent. 0 Theme two: Future proofing the economy - education and innovation: being more ambitious in delivering STEM related reform, upskilling and lifelong learning participation and raising national investment /activity levels in 0 Theme three Opportunities to differentiate Ireland as a leader on digital advanced manufacturing and arti?cial intelligence: Supporting SFi?s programmes, developing a national strategy to prevail over technology driven disruption to business and employment. For reference - many of these items are raised in the broad expanse of our pre-budget submission, especially in the expenditure measures section. I don?t anticipate that point issues within Government?s Corp Tax strategy will be raised outside the EU tax agenda debate and perhaps the prospects for US tax reform but its possible the operation of the credit regime may get a mention. I'll update you next week if anything else changes. Kind regards Brian Cotter Public Affairs Director American Chamber of Commerce Ireland Email: b.cotter@amgham.ie Post: 6 Wilton Place, Dublin 002 Phone: +353 1 661 6201 1 661 6634 (direct): +353 87 2851178 (mobile) Online: The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland is a private limited company and registered in Ireland . Registered No. 18926. Registered Of?ce 6 Wilton Place, Dublin 2,1reland rnolrstev IRELAND 13" September 1017 An Taoiseach Mr Lee Varadkar, TD. Department oi An Taorseach Government Buildings Merrion Street Dublin 2 Re: EU - Metcosur Trade Negotiations Dee Taoiseach, As the main representatives oi the Irish cattle and beeisector, the Irish Farmers Association (IPA) and Meat industry Ireland (Mill wish to highlight our strongest possioie objections to the European Commission approach on the Eu-Mercosur trade negotiations and urge the Irish Government to ensure that further concessions on imports to the EU market are not conceded as part oi an imminent revision orthe EU otter in these negotiations. With the massive uncertainty created by arexit and the clear negative implications of the UK exit from the cu tor the Irish beef sector, now is not the time for an EU--Mercusui trade deal that could result in additional volumes oi beef imports or more iavourattle market access tor Mercosur imports onto the EU market. orexit already has the potential to seriously destaorhse the European oectsactor and out the zu- 27 heat market into massive surplus. The lrish oeelsectorls the most exposed to tarexitiallovt and lreland, as the largest exporter or beet to European market, will also he most impacted by additional volumes or additional access through increased hate Quotas) or South American oeet entering the EU on toot oi a trade deal An EU--Mercasur trade deal that involves additional beet access or additional to the EU could be as detrimental to our sector as the implications or a hard Brexit. Furthermore, the European Commission's own impact assessment has highlighted the severe negative implications for the EU oeet sector oi on beer in an Eu>>Mercosur trade agreement. The Commission must not be allowed to the beet sector in its eitorts to secure an overall agreement in these negotiations. The and MII calls on Government to ensure that iurther concessions on beef imports are not made by the commission as such a move would have disastrous consequences lot the Irish cattle and heei sector which provides valuable economic activity and thousands or jobs lsoth direct at Iarm and processing level and indirectly in every county in Ireland. Vaurs sincere) Joe Healy Carroll President Chairman Irish Farmers Association Meat Industry Ireland Page 1 of 1 From:Department of Taoiseach Sentzl3 July 2017 10:38 To:Ms. Maeve McElwee Subjecthour email to the Taoiseach Dear Ms. McElwee, I wish to acknowledge receipt of your email correspondence to the Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D. The Taoiseach thanks you for your good wishes. Yours sincerely, Maura Duffy Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach Telephone: 01-61 94000 E-mail: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie View the Department?s Mail Disclaimer F?ach Fr?wgm S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne . in 90 La?! a. In..I.J--.-- ICSA SEES POSITIVES IN THERESA BREXIT SPEECH IN "5 FLORENCE taoiseach 25/09/201711244 3 attachments pic24464.gif pic24464.gif picZ4464.gif ICSA Info To 25/09/2017 10:07 cc SubjecthSA SEES POSITIVES IN THERESA BREXIT SPEECH IN FLORENCE St.? 1\ til-J 25 SEPTEMBER 2017 ICSA SEES POSITIVES IN THERESA BREXIT SPEECH IN FLORENCE ICSA president Patrick Kent has said that the Florence speech on Brexit by UK Prime Minister Theresa May is a hopeful sign that pragmatism is starting to get the upper hand. ?We now have an acceptance on the UK side that a transition period of about two years, during which the UK would stay in the single market, is the preferred option. This is a much more pragmatic position than the extreme euro sceptic position of some within the Tory party who wanted little or no transition and it suggests that the chances of a softer Brexit have increased.? Mr Kent also welcomed the acceptance that the UK will have to make some ?nancial contribution to the EU for a period. ?This offer will be well short of what the EU wants but it gets us beyond the logjam of whether the UK was liable for anything into a negotiation over how much.? ?It has always been clear that a transition period would be an essential element of moving towards a trading relationship where tariffs would not apply to exports between Europe and the UK. Although there is still a lot of complexity and uncertainty around trade deals, the speech gives hope that there is much less likelihood of Irish expo?s to the UK being undermined between now and 2021. Moreover, Ms May has been careful not to be too precise about the transition period and it is essential that ?exibility to extend it further is kept in play.? Mr Kent added that the re-election of a government in Germany led by Angela Merkel was also a positive outcome. ?Chancellor Merkel seems much more pragmatic than her opponent Martin Schulz of the SPD who leans more towards the strand of opinion which prioritises making the UK suffer for leaving the ?The speech by Ms May should be seen as an opportunity by the EU to make progress on Brexit talks. In particular, it should be seen as a sign of progress by EU heads of state at the EU summit meeting in October. The time for grand-standing is now past,? concluded Mr Kent. ENDS eassa Fitzgibbon ICSA Press Communications Of?cer 057 8662120 087 2686464 Irish Cattle Sheep Farmers' Association 3 Gandon Court, The Fairgreen, Portlaoise Tel: 057-8662120 Fax: 057-8662121 w? Twitter: @ICSAIreland Facebook: ICSAIreland Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer. Beartas riomhphoist an Oireachtais agus s?anadh. eCorr Details: Sent to eCorrespondence on 25/09/2017 By Lorraine Walters View the Department's Mail Disclaimer F?ach F?gga S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne {1.7 7 British Irish Chamber of Commerce - ICT Committee Policy Paper I or: it taoiseach 27/09/2017 18:05 7 attachments 99%: 1.. Uri! ish? I - image001.png image002.png f: .. . British Irish Chamber of Commerce ICT Policy Paper Sep2017.pdf pic05436.gif pic05436.gif pic05436.gif "Catherine Coffey" 27/09/2017 18:00 SubjectBritish Irish Chamber of Commerce - ICT Committee Policy Paper MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN MCGRANE, DIRECTOR GENERAL, BRITISH IRISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Taoiseach, The 2018 pre-budget submission of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Committee of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) will be published tomorrow, Thursday 28 September. As the only organisation that represents business activities with interests across the two islands of Britain and Ireland, we are uniquely placed to feed in the concerns of Ireland?s ICT sector, which has a huge stake in Ireland?s response to Brexit. The raison d??tre of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce is to champion, protect, promote and grow the trade between the UK and Ireland. The ICT Committee works to ensure that issues such as differences in incentives, taxation and policy which have the potential to hinder the future growth of this sector are overcome. In light of the ?Ieave? vote following on from the UK Referendum on EU Membership, the Committee has set out to identify key policy issues that need to be addressed by the Irish Govermnent to sustain the sector?s growth. To this end, the Committee has identi?ed four areas that should be the focus of Government policy in relation to the ICT sector post-Brexit: 1. Winning the War for Talent; 2. Driving Entrepreneurism; 3. Incentivising Investment; and 4. Supporting the Sector to Grow. The Committee believes that the ICT sector which is global by its nature must be global in its approach. The Committee has proposed within this paper, two new initiatives that should be considered the creation of a ?Technology Ambassador? as a figurehead based in Silicon Valley and the establishment of a National ICT Hub to be the nerve centre for the ICT ecosystem in Ireland. We hope that this paper will make a valuable contribution to the on-going deliberations in relation to Ireland?s response to Brexit. Further work of the Committee will take into account the perspective of Northern Irish and British interests. A copy of the Paper is attached. If you have any questions or queries on the Paper, or if you would like a brie?ng, I would be much obliged If your of?ce would contact my colleague Paul Lynam at or by telephone at +353 1 400 4323. Kind regards, MG Signature John McGrane Director General, British Irish Chamber of Commerce Catherine Coffey Executive Assistant - Sectoral Policy Unit T: +353 1 400 4317 E: bicc logo sig British Irish Chamber of Commerce Newmount House 22-24 Lower Mount Street Dublin 2 Ireland Signature email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. 's email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. The British Irish Chamber of Commerce has registered of?ces at 3"l Floor, Newmount House, 22-24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer. Beartas riomhphoist an Oireachtais agus s?anadh. (See attached ?le: attached ?le: attached ?le: attached ?le: British Irish Chamber of Commerce ICT Policy Paper Sep201 7. pdf) eCorr Details: Sent to eCorrespondence on 27/09/2017 By Lorraine Walters View the Department's Mail Disclaimer F?ach ?gra S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne . - Fw: For the Attention of An Taoiseach - . taoiseach 29/09/2017 10:04 CI I .. . pic09230.gif pi009230.gif pic09230.gif 4 attachments Jackie Sent by: Jackie Totaoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie cc 29/0912017 09:37 SubjectFw: For the Attention of An Taoiseach Forwarded by Jackie on 29/09/20! 7 09:37 I r- -m Peter I ., "corpaffairs@taoiscach.gov.ic" Hutu 28/09/2017 14:44 mint-u For the Attention of An Taoiseach Dear Taoiseach, Thank you for a clear and positive address this morning to the Al Island Civic Forum and I truly hope we are able to meet in Belfast sometime in the future. I am pleased to update you on our work in developing stronger Irish Scottish Business links. On the 7th of September this year we re?signed our Memorandum of Understanding with West Lothian Chamber of Commerce in Scotland. This was part of the re?invigoration of the work we do together that was first started ten years ago. Our Chamber and West Lothian Chamber share the same challenges being Chambers located outside of our respective capital cities and both Chambers see the potential for increasing trade between our business communities. The advent of Brexit has ignited a new energy between our Chambers to ensure that we strengthen and promote the many opportunities that are available to do business and utilise the strong support available from the state agencies in both countries to enable this to happen. Attached please find photo of myself and Linda Scott, CEO, West Lothian Chamber re-signed our Kind regards Peter Peter Byrne CEO South Dublin Chamber Tallaght Dublin 24 (See attached/fie: ipg) eCorr Details: Sent to eCorrespondence on 29/09/2017 By Hazel Kilduff View the Department's Mail Disclaimer F?ach ?gra S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne I 3 i Page 1 of 2 "Press - To?Margaret Lnyden? 03/10/2017 14:13 cc Press Release - ICMSA say Commission's reported otter on Mercosur Beef is ?Reckless" on Environmental, Economic Food Safety grounds ICMSA say Commission?s reported offer on Mercosur Beef is ?Reckless? on Environmental, Economic Food Safety grounds The President of ICMSA has said that the reported EU Commission offer ofa 70,000 tonnes beef quota to the South American Mercosur trade bloc has to be seen as representing the sacri?ce of the EU beef sector in general and the Irish beef sector in particular. Mr. John Comer said that the 1] countries that had stood against the offer must now band together and make it plain to the Commission that the reported offer cannot proceed, he said that the Irish position was the most vulnerable with in excess of 50% of all our beef going to a UK market about which there was little or no certainty after 2019. He described the idea that Ireland could even entertain the notion of 70,000 tonnes of South American beef arriving into the EU at precisely the same time as we would be losing our UK market as nothing less than madness and were the deal to proceed it had to be seen, according to Mr Comer, as a conscious decision on the part of the Commission?s to sacri?ce the beef sector as a quid-pro-quo in an overall trade agreement Economics aside, the ICMSA President said there were the most serious questions about how this proposal would facilitate an expansion of the South American beef sector which he said was already notorious for its non-existent commitment to environmental considerations and sustainability and also for certainly in the case of Brazil repeated breaches of the most fundamental standards of food safety- It was hypocritical, at the very least, of the Commission to be pressurising EU farmers on the questions of Nitrates and publicly discussing how overall methane emissions might be reduced while ?Green Lighting? an import quota with a beef sector that was absolutely unbothered by either question and whose chief concern was how to clear forest and ?move' indigenous peoples so that their lands could be pressed into the most rapacious form of beef production. The negligence - indeed, complicity of elements of the Brazilian authorities charged with maintaining the safety standards of their beef was a matter of record and it could only be a matter of time before the next and possibly most dangerous health threat to consumers emerged from such an atmosphere. It was now time for Taoiseach Varadkar to intervene possibly in conjunction with President Macron in a manner that made it plain to the Commission that proceeding with this trade deal before the ?nal details of the Brexit deal were decided upon and published was unacceptably reckless and that even the ?other side? of a ?nal Brexit deal it was not possible to contemplate a deal for South American beef under Mercosur that completely sabotaged the indigenous beef sector in the manner that this pr0posal most assuredly did. 23/ l/20l 7 Dear Mr. Comer, The Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., has asked me to refer further to your invitation to address the ICMSA 2017 AGM. The Taoiseach has asked me to say that, due to diary commitments in November, he regrets that he is not in a position to accept your kind invitation. However, the Taoiseach is due to meet with the ICMSA as part of a broader Agriculture Delegation on 7 November 2017 and he is looking forward to this engagement. The Taoiseach extends his best wishes. Yours sincerely, Niamh O'Brien Appointments Secretary 84/86 Lower Baggot Slreet tel: 353 1 605 i500 . Dublin 2 email: inlo?ihecJe Ireland web: vwmibeme For insh Business 00? ?72? 17 October 2017 . Leo Varadkar TD .3 An Taoiseach E5 - Department of the Taoiseach IN. . Government Buildings Upper Merrion Street Dublin 2 002 R583 Re: European Council, 19-20 October 2017 Dear Taoiseach write regarding the agenda for this week?s European Council meeting and wish to highlight three key priority areas for Irish business First, concerning you and counterparts? assessment of the status of the Brexit negotiation: lbec is concerned about the slow pace of negotiations to date. Continuing references to ?no deal is better than a bad deal" and ?preparing for cliff edge scenarios", creates uncertainty and poses an enormous threat to Irish, British and wider European business. As uniquely exposed as we are, Irish business more than others needs certainty and time to prepare for a post-Brexit reality. In this context. transitional arrangements will be critical in affording business, in Ireland and elsewhere, the best opportunity to prepare for the withdrawal from the EU. The UK remaining in the single market and customs union, with all the appropriate rights and obligations, for the duration of the transition period is the only conceivable approach. lbec urges both sides to work constructively. positively and efficiently on the important issues, including those relating to the Island of lreland within the first phase to allow negotiators to move to the pivotal second phase? our future relationship? as quickly as possible. Second, concerning how the EU can seize the opportunities of digitalisation and fosters completion of the digital single market (DSM): lbec has long advocated completion of the DSM and the potential of digitalisation to drive EU growth and employment. For, lreland the DSM and full adoption of digital technologies could add ?27 billion to our GDP and have a positive net effect of up to 140,000 jobs by 2020. The Council should promote trust and confidence in the digital economy. The announced cybersecurity certification framework needs to ?nd workable solutions, striking the right balance between ensuring high levels of security and costs for companies. The data economy can improve conditions for citizens, in a diverse range of areas, and EU legislation should remove unjusti?ed restrictions to the free lbec Limited' l5 regiStered in Ireland. Registration No. 8706 Directors- Ede! CreNely Paraic Curtis John Kennedy. Anne Heraty. Gerryl Collins, Larry lfurrin. Uam O'Dunoghua. Danny McCoy. Tn Ib.? flow of data. The proposed ePrivacy regulation should align and complement other EU legislation and not undermine certainty and investment made in anticipation of the implementation of the General Data Protection regulation(GDPR). The Council should ensure that Europe's digital economy attracts mobile talent and promote digital skills. Finally, concerning the Council discussion on digitalisation, lbec believes it is essential that all taxation proposals are agreed internationally through the OECD. This will ensure European companies' competitiveness and guarantee a global level playing field. while respecting member states competences to set their own tax policies. lbec. together with our European partners supports governments and businesses working together to ensure that international tax agreements remain tit tor purpose as the global economy and technology evolve. We continue to be actively engaged in the development c! the global corporate tax system through the OECD's BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit shitting) Project. Third, concerning Europe's role as a global trade and investment partner: lreland is a unique example of what can be achieved through openness and a business model based on what the OECD describe as substance. We are making a lead contribution to the EU's economic recovery. loec believes that now more than ever. the EU must remain an open and attractive location for foreign direct investment whilst continuing to play a leadership role as the global advocate ol fair and rules-based trade. In this context. it is also important to ensure that each trade agreement stands on its own merit and achieves the correct balance in terms of offering access to the internal market particularly for sensitive sectors. such as heel and dairy impacted by Brexlt. Your meeting with European Council colleagues provides the opportunity to put a roadmap in place to advance negotiations that tacilitate transition arrangements and a discussion on our luture relationship with the UK. It also otters an important opportunity for the EU to further boost Europe's economic recovery by supporting digitalisation, at which lreland is well place to take advantage, and to take a leadership mle on promoting global trade and investment. Thank you (or continued support of business policy In EU straits. As always. lbec's teams in Dublin and Brussels remain available to assist you and your cflicials at any time and provide turther details on our business positions as required. Yours sincerely Danny McCoy CEO. Ibec '1 EAST ll( European Union European Regional Development Fund Investing in your future I. this prom-t or p31 hunted by [U's NA An Taoiseach Mr Leo Varadkar Department of the Taoiseach Government Buildings Upper Merrion Street Dublin 2 20 October 2017 An Taoiseach, Re: Ireland/N.Ireland Border Corridor Local Authority Grouping The eleven Local Authorities which comprise the Ireland/N.Ireland Border Corridor realised very quickly after the UK referendum that Brexit has the potential to impact the one million citizens of the Border Corridor more than anywhere else both within Ireland and the UK. In response to the challenge the eleven Local Authorities jointly commissioned Ulster University Economic Policy Centre to produce a study into the potential impact of Brexit on the Ireland/N.Ireland Border Corridor. ?Brexit and the Border Corridor on the island of Ireland: Risks, Opportunities and Issues to Consider? was launched in the N.Ireland Executive Of?ce, Brussels on Wednesday ll?h October 2017. Due to the importance they placed on this event a large delegation from the Border Corridor including Chief Executives and Chairs from the eleven Local Authorities attended. East Border Region facilitated the event and representatives from ICBAN and North West Strategic Growth Partnership also travelled. In total one hundred people attended the launch event in Brussels and the report was extremely well received. Two overarching strategic points emanated from the Border Corridor report: 1. that Brexit will impact on all aspects of the economy of our region. An economic border post Brexit would be disastrous for our region. Secondly, that Brexit will impact on the people and communities of the Border Corridor. The Peace Process must be protected. 2 Monaghan Court, Newry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT35 63H Tel: 028 3025 2684 048 3025 2684 Fax: 028 3025 2685 048 3025 2685 1 W: Email: Counties Loulh, Monnghan Month, Newry Moume, Down Districts, Cnigavon, Ants North Down Boroaghs City 8; District Eumpean Union vavuml welopmeul Fund My mum Mute mm mm sum mum: As a next step. the eleven Local Authorities would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to present and discuss the findings of the Border Corridor upon (please see enclosed). Thanking you in maliclpationl Pamela Anllurs Chief Executive Officer On behalf ofthe eleven Local Authorilies Enc, 2 Cnuvl, CO. Down, Northern Ireland BT35 m- tutuuzsmu w. "wkv um [.va tu'mm nm ,(quwmv. Auk mm I'Jmm llmnuglu (1an ummwm J. Positioning Ireland as a Banking Centre Killian.chIlillips taoiseach 23/10/2017 08:59 Sattachments an.? . - ?0 .1 w" pic15269.gif pic15269.gif pi015269.gif ronan mc ovem . Toleo.varadkar@olr.le 23/10/2017 08:01 cc SubjectPositioning Ireland as 3 Banking Centre From: ronan mcgovern Subject: Positioning Ireland as a Banking Centre Message Body: Hi Leo, I am a Stanford Grad in Dublin. Over the past 2 weeks 4 major Banks have contacted me through Stanford as they are progressing plans to establish a European hub in Dublin post Brexit. I could really help (through Stanford contacts) the State position itself as a Centre for Banking in Europe. Would be great to discuss - my tel no Regards Ronan This mail is sent via contact form on Leo Varadkar Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer. yanddisclaimer/ Beartas riomhphoist an Oireachtais agus s?anadh. tanoireachtaisagusseanadh/ eCorr Details: Sent lo eCorrespondence on 23/10/2017 By Killian McPhillips View the DepartmeJnt?s Mail Disclaimer F?ach F?gra S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne Re: Brian Daly - Head of Brexit Unit KPMG L??u Eamonn Molloy to: John Callinan 26/10/201615:26 Grand John We'll motor ahead on this, set it up at my level, but let you know when it's on - no obligation to attend. Eamonn John 02:33:17 PM-~-From: John To: Eamonn Molloy/NID/DOT@dot, Mary Clare From: John To: Eamonn Molloy/NID/DOT@dot, Mary Clare Date: 10/26/2016 02:33 PM Subject: Re: Brian Daly - Head of Brexit Unit KPMG Eamonn can you follow up re this? Let me know if you arrange a slot and if I am free I might join (you could say I asked you to follow up with him etc) but don't make it dependent on my availability. Thanks John On 26 Oct 2016, at 13:45, Mary Clare O'Sullivan wrote: John, Brian Daly of KPMG was in touch through John Golden to say that he is now the head of their Brexit Unit and would be interested in meeting you to share with the feedback he is getting from clients re Brexit and ensure communication on their side is on message etc. (l think you know Brian. He is one of the industry representatives on the IFS Industry Advisory Committee. You were I think at a meeting previously between Brian and some of his colleagues and Martin and some of us in July last year where they ?lled us in on relevant developments in the UK etc re tax and other economic issues). John just said he would convey the message so no commitments have been made but I can set it up if you, Eamonn or anyone else on the Brexit side would ?nd a meeting useful, MC Mary-Clare O'Sullivan, Principal Of?cer I lntemational Section International, EU and Northern Ireland Division Department of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, 002 R583 Re: Farming brie?ng Ci Sascha O'Toole to: Christina Downey 06/11/201717246 1 attachment 171 107 Attendance list.doc Hi Christina, Attached is the attendance list that was included in the folders - Private Of?ce advised me to just include the list of outside of?cials. Was just for info, I think the private of?ce are managing the attendance! Best regards, Sascha Economic Policy Division I Department of the Taoiseach TEL: +353 1 619 4137(See attached ?le: 1 71107 Attendance list. doc) Christina 1/2017 Sascha Just con?rming John will be attending this meeting tomorrow. From: Christina To: Sascha Date: 06/11/2017 17:43 Subject: Re: Farming brie?ng Hi Sascha Just con?rming John will be attending this meeting tomorrow. Would you have an attendance list? Thanks again Christina Downey Second Secretary General's of?ce International, EU and Northern Ireland Division Department of An Taoiseach. Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 R583 +353 1 619 4322 Sascha 17:39:22??Briefing attached as discussed! Best regards, Sascha From: Sascha To: Christina Date: 06/1112017 17:39 Subject: Farming brie?ng Brie?ng attached as discussed! Best regards, Sascha Economic Policy Division Department of the Taoiseach TEL: +353 1 619 4137 [attachment "171102 deleted by Christina Attendance list Minister Michael Creed Minister of State Andrew Doyle Aidan O?Driscoll, DAF Jonathan Hoare, DAF Joe Healy, IFA Damien McDonald, IF A John Comer, ICMSA John Enright, ICMSA Patrick Kent, ICSA Eddie Punch, ICSA James Healy, Macra Denis Duggan, Macra Page 1 of 2 05? T?David CC 13/11/2017 14317 SubjeclUpdate on Ibec Brexit meeting with PM Theresa May and UK Cabinet Dear stakeholder, This morning I met the British Prime Minister Theresa May, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Business Secretary Greg Clark in Downing St to discuss Irish business concerns in relation to Brexit. As part ofa small delegation ofkey EU business federations, Ibec was the only Irish business representative in attendance. The message to the UK government was clear, business is increasingly frustrated and concerned at the lack of progress in negotiations. To move past the ?rst phase of talks, which covers Ireland, the ?nancial settlement and citizens? rights, we need practical solutions and ?rm commitments, not just rhetoric. At the meeting I set out a number of immediate and speci?c Irish business concerns: EU and UK businesses will need an extended transition period to plan and adapt to any new EU- UK trading relationship. This period should ensure continuity with existing trading terms. Short-term and short-sighted political pressures must not overtake the overriding and obvious economic rationale for such arrangements. The UK has yet to match its stated commitment to a soft border on the island of Ireland with practical proposals to achieve this. A new approach is needed. The creation of new customs and regulatory barriers on the island of Ireland must be avoided. Safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement and the ?xture functioning of the all-island economy must not be just an Irish/EU priority, the UK must step up to the mark. The East-West aspect of the Good Friday Agreement, which covers the "totality of relationships" between Ireland and Britain, received limited attention over the years because our shared EU membership meant close business and economic cooperation was taken for granted. However, Brexit changes that. It is imperative that the legally enshrined commitment to promote greater cooperation between the UK and Ireland is not a casualty of Brexit. A concerted, structured focus is now needed to safeguard this intrinsic aspect of the Agreement. While the meeting itself is testimony to an increasing recognition in Downing St that business and economic concerns need to better inform the UK approach, the unstable political backdrop remains a concern. The polarised and fraught nattu'e of the British debate is not conducive to the sophisticated compromises needed to steer the country away from a divisive, damaging divorce. EU-UK relations have and will continue to come under strain as negotiations progress and important to remind ourselves that UK fortunes will be linked to those of the EU, even after Brexit. The closest possible future relationship is in all our interests. As negotiations progress, Ibec will continue to make a constructive contribution and set out practical solutions on the way forward. Our detailed proposals are available at mew.ibecie/brexit. While we hope and actively work towards the best outcome, we must also plan for the worst. The launch of a EurOpean Commission working group last Friday to look speci?cally at the impact of Brexit on Irish business, and possible state aid implications, is an important development. It follows meme 1 mm ., Page 2 of 2 intensive lobbying by lbec over recent months on the issue. This will continue until we have a comprehensive Irish and EU approach agreed. Right across Ibec, our policy experts and sectors associations continue to work on all the aspects of Brexit that affect business. We are working to ensure the best possible outcome and will continue to keep you updated on this work. All the best Danny McCoy CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE - The infomtation contained in this email message is intended only for the con?dential use of the named recipient. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering it to the recipient, you are hereby noti?ed that you have received this communication in error and that any review, dissemination or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately. a? Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer. Beartas riomhphoist an Oireachtais agus s?anadh. hoistanoireachtaisa usseanadh.? eCorr Details: Sent to eCorrespondence on 13/11/2017 By Saoirse Ross View the De artment's Mail Disclaimer I F?ach F?gra S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne 7.707? 'n 1 I'm 1 '1 Page 1 of From:Department of Taoiseach Sent: 13 November 2017 15:17 Danny McCoy SubjectzAuto Reply I acknowledge receipt of your email. Your correspondence will be brought to the attention of the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. - Is mian liom a admhAjil go bhfuarthas do Cuirfear do ar aghaidh chuig an Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. View the Department?s Mail Disclaimer FA?ach ?132m RAothhoist na Roiune . ?lk'll/P'n 11' '701'7 n? turn] ?l Page 1 of 1 From:Celine McEvoy Sent:13 November 2017 15:48 Su ect:CorreSpondence case TO7561-2017 Brian, for information IBEC/Brexit. Celine The Correspondence Case T07561-201 7 has been emailed to you by Celine McEvoy. Please ?nd Case Details below: Contact Details Contact: Mr. Danny McCoy Email: ceo@ibec.ie Address: 84/86 Lower Baggot Street Case Details Medium: Email Correspondence Date: 201 7-1 1- 13 Due Date: 2017-11-27 A 31 12017 48.html 92/ I mm 7 Regards Hazel Kilduff Page 1 of Taoiseach-'s Of?ce Government Buildings Tel: 353 1 619 4000 Email: Hazel.Kilduff@taoiseach.gov.ie Forwarded by Hazel on 23/11/2017 09:11 l??rom: Nick To: Hazel Date: 23/11/2017 08:22 Subject: Fwd: Meat tndiistry Ireland letter to An Taois?each Hazel, can you put this on system please. Thanks, Nick Sent-from my. iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "JoeRyan" Date: 23 November 2017 at 07:57:15 GMT . To: "nick.red_d_' taoiseacligovie" Cc: "Sineacl McPhillips" "Brendan Gleeson , , "Graham Lennox'" ahamJennox a 'culture. lov.ie> Subject: Meat Industry?Irel?and'letter to An Taoiseach Hello, Please ?nd attached a letter from the. Meat Industry Ireland chairman, for the-attention of An Taoiseach, in relation to the EU-Mer?cosur negatiations. Regards. Joe Ryan Meat Industry Ireland CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE The information contained in this email message is intended only for the con?dential use of the named recipient. If the reader-of this message is notthe intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering it to the recipient, you are hereby noti?ed. that you have received this communication in error and that any review, dissemination or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received thisin error, please notify the sender immediately. (See attached?-Ie: 2017. 22 letter to An Taoiseach (Mercasurjpd? . View the Department's Mail Disclaimer I F71?ach F??gra SA?anta R?omhphoist na Roinne n?aen?I J-..-- - - ?n lo 1 Inn1v-v Moat R4156 iawer Mao! Siren m: .353 <>out or existing import ouotas in the context or arexitt We again reiterate that the European Commission's own impact assessment has highlighted the severe negative implications for the EU heel sector of concessions on beef in an EU--Mercosur trade agreement, The Commission must not be allowed to sacrifim thE beef sector in ils Eiforts to sewre an overall agreement in these negotiations. Calls on Government to ensure that further concessions on beef imports are hm made by the Commission as such a move would have disastrous consequences Irish cattle and oeersector which provides valuable economic activity and thousands arr-obs oath direct at iarm and processing level and indirectly In every county in ireland. Vaurs sincerel Ph Carroll -- Chairman Mn! inouairyireiand is on cfibec nip whit: registered in inland. hegisiruxion No mo Dinoiars - Anne Halliy iPNudsnl}. Edei Green. tea CmMald. Gerry Cantu, Larry Mumn. Kennedy. Danny Moody Liam O'Dcnughue. Faraic Cums, Kevin raiano. Eritri MicCr-litri. Siobhan 'talpol, Filmik Manley. Alastair aiair. motile Havana. Frank sieeson. calhnonu Yuny sinumi. Page 1 of From:Department of Taoiseach Sen?tz23 November 201 7? 09:20 Tonr. Philip Carroll Subj ectzAuto Reply I acknowledge receipt of your email. Your correspondence will. be brought to the attention of the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. Is mian?liom a admh?il go bhfuarthas do riomhphost. Cuirfear do ar aghaidh 'chuig an Taoi?seaclr, Leo. Varadkar TD. 3 Mail DiSCIaimer F?ach (Sara S?anta Riomhphoist na Roinne . View the De artment' T9017 no on 91/1 1 mm 7 Language -0 lrish Date on letter: 08/03/2017 Category:MlSC. ITEM Ref: NR cK) File Number: \t 8255/13/24/0004l Letter Indexed on 09/05/2017 0 English Author:Saoirse Ross it? as; . 3 -. Taciseach's Reps Database: Letter MAY Z..-, Received Mm?. Received209/03/201 7 Urgency: Normal Date: Date lssued:09/05/2017 File: Representations to the Taoiseach. 9th May 2017 - 9th May 2017 Correspondence from: Salutation: First Name: Surname: Suf?x Title: Organisation Address Email Address Rep. for Person: Rep. for Organisation: Details of Material: Note For Registry: Comments/Details re outcome: Mr. Philip Carroll Chairman Meat Industry lreland phllipjosephcarroll@gmail.com Salutation: First Name: Surname: Organisation Name: Request for meeting Met with Taoiseach on Wed 26 April, pa'd as per NR - SR 09/05/17 Referred to (last 5 references) CurrentReferTo: Index and PA Refer To: Ack Refer - index and PA Status: Referred MinSurname lrishTitle Date: 13/03/2017 (Lon'aine Watters) 09/05/2017 (Saoirse Ross) Eamonn Molloy (Acknowledged. Referred, Under Consideration. Show) Ive?sags",