Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019
60. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the detailed action plan on the requirements of Rosslare Europort in advance of Brexit is due for publication and-or finalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10213/19]
View answerWhile ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement is still the Government's priority, we will continue our preparations for all scenarios. On 11 December 2018, the Government decided to give greater immediate priority to the preparations for a no deal Brexit. This work is ongoing and includes all Government Departments and Agencies. It includes measures both nationally and in conjunction with the EU.
In a no deal scenario, goods entering the EU from the UK would be treated as imports from a third country and goods leaving the EU to the UK will be treated as exports. All relevant EU legislation on imported goods and exported goods would apply, including the levy of certain duties and taxes, in accordance with EU commitments and under the rules of the World Trade Organisation. Relevant customs declarations would be needed, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls would need to be applied. Additional staff have been recruited for our ports and airports, and ICT systems have been enhanced to support this work.
The Government is committed to working with the European Commission and our EU partners to ensure that any potential disruption to connectivity as a result of necessary additional checks and controls is kept to a minimum. At the same time, Ireland is committed to protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Customs Union, membership of which is a core element of our economic strategy and has been good for Irish business.
Further to agreement by Government, OPW, working with key stakeholders, are now progressing arrangements for new customs, health and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements at ports and airports. Preparatory works are ongoing in four separate locations in Rosslare to provide facilities infrastructure for staff carrying out customs, SPS and health checks in the event of a no deal Brexit. A new export facility is being delivered within the Port and the development of new import inspection facilities will commence in the coming days.
