Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2018
131. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role his officials have in co-ordinating or partaking in Brexit preparedness, according to the recent request by the EU Commission. [50473/18]
View answerAny Brexit scenario will mean considerable change and impact for Ireland and extensive and detailed Brexit preparedness and contingency work is being taken forward, co-ordinated by officials in my Department, working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, across all Government Departments and Agencies.
As part of this process, a number of cross- Departmental coordination structures are chaired by officials of my Department. These include meetings on a weekly and fortnightly basis, as well as ongoing meetings with individual Departments across the range of sectors.
As part of prudent preparation for Brexit, steps need to be taken at national level, at EU level and by business and citizens who will be affected.
Given that in a number of key areas for Ireland, the appropriate response and mitigation will be at the EU level, we are continuing to engage actively with the Commission on areas of priority for Ireland, including through the preparedness seminars which are currently underway, involving all Member States.
The EU Commission acknowledged the particular impact of Brexit on Ireland and Irish business in its contingency planning communication of 13 November.
Ireland is also working closely with the EU and fellow Member States to discuss and progress areas of key concern, including facilitating the use of the UK as a landbridge post Brexit.
