Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
121. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the findings in a recent report by a person (details supplied) on the impact of a no-deal Brexit; and if he has spoken to his British counterpart, Ms Arlene Foster or Ms Michelle O' Neill since it was published. [11933/19]
View answerI have read the recent letter from the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service to political parties in Northern Ireland on the grave implications for business and trade in the event of a no deal Brexit. The letter followed the UK Government’s paper of 26 February which noted that the cumulative impact of a ‘no deal’ scenario would be expected to be more severe in Northern Ireland than in Great Britain, and to last longer. The letter set out the work of Northern Ireland Departments across a range of sectors in advance of the UK leaving the EU and amplifies the UK Government assessment. It notes that, despite the considerable amount of mitigation work that has been undertaken to date across NI Departments, Northern Ireland will face considerable and unavoidable residual risks, notably on the local economy in ways that cannot be mitigated in the case of a no deal.
I share the letter’s assessment, including its stark warning about the changes to everyday life, potential border frictions and the potential for profound and long lasting impact on society. In my ongoing contacts with the political parties in Northern Ireland, I have discussed with them the impact of Brexit, and the deeply concerning potential issues around a no deal Brexit. I have also repeatedly discussed my concerns around the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland with my British counterparts.
I can assure the Deputy that the imperative of avoiding that scenario will continue to inform the Government’s approach. Indeed from the outset, I have highlighted the socio-economic risks which Brexit poses for Northern Ireland as well as for the wider political situation there. I have repeatedly stated that a no deal Brexit is in no one’s interests, least of all for the people of Northern Ireland who, as the report and letter confirm, will be most affected.
We are absolutely determined to avoid physical infrastructure at the border, but in a no deal Brexit there will be implications regarding disruption to the functioning of the all-island economy. The seamless trade we enjoy today would not be possible, and the benefits of the backstop for businesses in Northern Ireland would be lost, at least in the short term. These risks only serve to further highlight the absolute need to agree the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
