Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
90. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contingency plan being put in place by him regarding the matter of reports that one third of Irish planes could be grounded by a no-deal Brexit; the engagement he has had with the European Commission, the Irish Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45647/18]
View answerWhile neither I, nor my officials are aware of any official report containing the information that the Deputy refers to, however my Department is acutely aware that flights between Ireland and the UK could potentially be affected in a no deal scenario.
The Government’s contingency planning for Brexit was initiated well in advance of the UK referendum in June 2016 and there has been a sustained intensification of these efforts over the past year. While this planning is necessary, the Government remains focused on work in the negotiations to conclude a withdrawal agreement. Contingency planning for a no-deal outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by all Departments on issues within their policy remit, was identified as an early priority and is now well advanced.
My Department is engaged in extensive contingency planning in relation to Brexit. The European Commission is also engaged in preparing for the UK’s exit from the EU and Ireland is liaising closely with the Commission on such matters and strongly favours an EU level solution in the area of aviation. My Department is actively engaging with the European Commission Taskforce and the Brexit Preparedness Unit on these, and related issues.
In addition to this work on contingency planning, officials from my Department continue to consult and engage with other Government Departments, key Aviation stakeholders, including the Irish Aviation Authority, and other relevant authorities, via the National Civil Aviation Development Forum, and other fora, on all aviation matters relating to Brexit planning.
The Department has continually stressed the importance that aviation stakeholders take all necessary steps to prepare for Brexit, including the importance of undertaking contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their operations. We have also advised stakeholders to refer to the European Commission’s published Notices to Stakeholders in the field of air transport, aviation safety and aviation security.
The Government has been clear that its approach to preparing for Brexit is aimed at minimising the impact of Brexit on our trade and economy and an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU. This is certainly the case in aviation, given the importance of the sector for Ireland and the fact that the UK is by far the most important origin and destination for aviation traffic in and out of Ireland.
