Brexit Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Questions (2002)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

2002. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingency plans his Department has in place for a no-deal hard Brexit scenario; the plans that have been made with regard to increased Irish sanitary and phytosanitary checks and increased veterinary inspections in the event of the UK becoming a third country with the EU; and the number of additional veterinary inspectors who will be required for such a scenario in view of confirmation by An Taoiseach that 1,000 new customs and veterinary inspectors will be hired. [35348/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department has been involved in preparations for Brexit for some time now and has contributed its views into the whole of Government Brexit contingency planning process.  Following the Government's decision to prepare detailed Action Plan, my Department is finalising its analysis on the steps necessary to facilitate potential increased sanitary and phytosanitary controls,   including staffing, upgrading infrastructure at ports and airports, in particular Dublin and Rosslare.  On completion of this analysis a detailed Action Plan will be presented to Government.