We launched an inquiry into Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland in January 2018, running on a themed basis with sub-inquiries on different issues.
So far we have already had Brexit related inquiries into the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and Fisheries. We invited the public to shape the direction of our future work, and asked you to tell us the issues we should be exploring in this Parliament.
In January, we launched a forum where members of the public could suggest what other topics the Committee could consider. We also asked participants at an engagement event in Londonderry.
Some suggestions from the event included looking at special status for Ireland after Brexit, the Customs Union and its impact, and a second referendum on the Brexit deal.
We received 22 responses via the forum, 22 suggestions via written evidence and 5 suggestions from the engagement event. Topics suggested included horticulture, construction and manufacturing, rural communities, agriculture and many more...
You told us that the future for Northern Ireland's agriculture should be considered.
And so we have launched an inquiry into Agriculture.
In our Brexit and Northern Ireland - tell us what you think online forum, we asked about what areas you think will be most affected by Brexit?
You told us:
"...farmers all rely on EU money."
"...economic stability especially in relation to people involved in the agrifood industry is at risk."
We will examine the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland's agricultural sector, focusing on livestock and arable farming.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has stated its intention to develop a UK-wide agriculture policy, and has recently launched a consultation.
Our committee will look at specific challenges facing Northern Ireland, including the implications of the land border, the role of the North/South Council in
co-ordinating policy with Ireland, and the specific industries that will be affected.
We want to ensure that as a UK-wide post Brexit programme for agriculture and horticulture is developed, it reflects the challenges of the border and considers the role of North-South cooperation.
Send us your submissions by visiting the inquiry page on our website.
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is a cross-party group of MPs appointed by the House of Commons to scrutinise the work of the Northern Ireland Office and its associated public bodies.
If you are interested in the work of our committee, find out more about our other inquiries.
