Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2019
61. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he and his officials are preparing for soft technology options on the Border in view of the rules of the Single Market and in the event of there being a no-deal Brexit. [7052/19]
View answerThe Deputy refers to ‘soft technology’. For the purpose of this answer, it is assumed that the Deputy means a ‘soft border’ achieved by way of technological solutions.
I am advised by Revenue that there are currently no technological solutions in operation anywhere in the world that would solve the issues needed to avoid a hard border. Therefore there are no technological options that would provide the type of guarantee required to avoid a hard border, including any physical infrastructure and related checks and controls and to protect the integrity of the Single Market, post Brexit. In addition, the UK have not yet put forward technological options that would provide the types of satisfactory guarantees required to avoid a hard border and to protect the integrity of the Single Market, post Brexit.
The Government has been clear that it is not preparing for a hard border in any circumstances and remains of the firm view that the best and only way to avoid a hard border and protect the peace process is to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement agreed between the EU and the UK. I am therefore advised by Revenue that in line with the Government approach they are not preparing for technological solutions for the border with Northern Ireland, post Brexit.
In a no deal scenario, from 29 March 2019, the free circulation and movement of goods between EU Member States and the UK will end. Clearly, this will pose significant challenges for Ireland, for other EU Member States, and for the UK.
The Government has indicated that in the event of a ‘no deal’ exit, it will engage in intensive discussions with the EU Commission and our EU partners on the options available to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland and to protect the EU’s Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. Revenue will provide whatever technical expertise and assistance may be required during this process.
