My Department, like all Government Departments, has been undertaking Brexit preparedness planning since the UK Government called the Brexit referendum. My Department has published on its website analysis of Brexit issues and hosted public and industry meetings and events. In line with efforts across Government to further intensify preparedness, I sought the views of the energy regulator, CRU, and the electricity and gas transmission system operators, EirGrid and Gas Networks Ireland respectively, on the implications of various Brexit scenarios for the electricity and gas markets in Ireland. These reports have been received and are currently under consideration. The reports identify market challenges absent an agreement between the EU and the UK on energy trading post Brexit, as trade with UK will become a market that straddles a EU Member State and a Third Country. From the outset we have identified continued secure energy trade with the UK as a priority and the detailed material now received will input to our engagement with the EU as it progresses negotiation. This material also addresses an issue raised by EU officials in June this year when further details on how a range of Brexit scenarios would impact Irish energy policy were sought by the Commission. This included how a 'hard Brexit' may impact the Single Electricity Market. Our Brexit contingency and preparedness planning is well advanced.
Last week Minister Coveney, on behalf of the Government, announced details of the 'Getting Ireland Brexit Ready' public information campaign. This campaign includes whole-of-Government public outreach events and will provide information on the latest preparedness and support measures being taken by Government.
