Brendan Griffin
Question:145. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the customs arrangements (details supplied) in the event of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6460/19]
View answerTuesday, 12 February 2019
Questions (145)
Written answers
I am advised by Revenue, that they have had extensive engagement with businesses throughout the State over the last 18 months in the context of preparing for Brexit. That engagement has intensified since the last quarter of 2018 and is continuing.
I am aware that Revenue have written to all businesses who trade with the UK advising them of the steps they need to take to prepare for Brexit. Revenue’s Trader Engagement Programme provides information and assistance on the EU customs requirements and formalities that apply to trade with and through a 3rd country which the UK will become for customs purposes after it leaves the EU. Revenue’s engagement has included seminars for large economic operators, customs agents/brokers, software providers and business representative bodies. Seminars have taken place in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Wexford, Limerick and Sligo. Full details of the customs procedures are available on Revenue’s dedicated Brexit webpage.
In relation to transit arrangements, the UK submitted an instrument of accession to the Convention on Common Transit (CTC) on 30 January 2019. This means that goods moving from Ireland to another Member State via the UK post-Brexit can move under the customs transit procedure. As part of their preparations for Brexit, I am advised that Revenue has recruited additional Customs officers who will work on a 24/7 basis in the ports and airports. There will be sufficient resources in place to support businesses in complying with the necessary transit formalities.