Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018

Tuesday, 3 July 2018

Questions (123)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which his Department continues to prepare for a worst-case scenario arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29382/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy will be aware, a whole of Government approach is being adopted to addressing the impacts of Brexit. Detailed work is taking place across Departments and in State agencies to prepare for the UK’s exit from the EU. This includes contingency planning; engagement with stakeholders; support to companies from the enterprise agencies; and work to exploit any opportunities that might arise from Brexit.

Within my own Department a dedicated Brexit/EU/North South Unit is responsible for coordinating the response to Brexit across the Department and it plays a full role in the cross-Departmental structures that support the work of Government. Brexit issues are also addressed by staff in relevant areas across the Department.

Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern.

It also takes account of the planning being undertaken at EU level by the Commission Preparedness Unit, which is issuing information notes aimed at different business sectors and examining legislative actions which may be needed at EU level.

The risks arising from Brexit are reflected in the Government’s National Risk Assessment, which identifies areas where Brexit poses a specific risk, particularly in relation to the economy. This approach is reflected in my own Department’s Statement of Strategy for 2016-2019 and also in its Risk Register.