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Brexit Preparations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Questions (38)

Seán Haughey

Question:

38. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of contingency planning for all Brexit scenarios, including the possibility of a no-deal Brexit if the transition period is not extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5507/20]

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Written answers

Planning for the impacts of Brexit has been underway for some time now. The vast majority of preparedness work undertaken in 2018 and 2019 remains relevant. The additional time afforded by the Transition Period (to 31 December 2020) enables Departments and Agencies to refine and update this work.

The ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement in January 2020 ensures that Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, will apply at the end of the transition period regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations.

Brexit comes at a time when businesses and the economy are already heavily impacted by the COVID19 crisis. With less than 7 months to the end of transition, we remain committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that citizens and businesses are as ready as they can be for the end of transition. The Government acted swiftly and decisively in terms of COVID-related supports to businesses. Brexit preparation will necessarily be part of a wider business recovery agenda and we will look at how best business supports can be deployed in support of Brexit readiness.

Significant challenges arise given the UK will leave the Customs Union and Single Market at the end of the transition period. Even the best possible FTA between the EU and UK will impact supply chains and trade flows and result in checks and controls in both directions on EU-UK trade.

Supporting these supply chains and trade flows remains a priority. Significant investment in infrastructure and systems in our ports and airports continues. The UK landbridge will continue to be of paramount strategic importance to EU operators, especially Irish operators, as a means of accessing the EU Single Market. We are engaging with our partners in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the Commission to provide a pathway for ensuring the Landbridge remains a viable and efficient option for EU traders. I have discussed this with Michel Barnier and he understands the importance of safeguarding this important route to market.

The Government’s preparedness work will be closely aligned with progress on the negotiations and will evolve as elements of a deal become clearer. As the talks progress, we will roll out communications programmes covering specific areas. As before, departments and agencies will continue to meet with key stakeholders.

Last week, I hosted a meeting of the Brexit Stakeholders Forum. As the Deputy is aware, this forum provides a useful opportunity to hear and exchange views with a range of business and civil society representative groups on how we can collectively ensure that we are well prepared for the range of Brexit scenarios.

The European Commission is currently updating its 102 readiness notices to provide useful advice to businesses and citizens on how to prepare for Brexit.

Brexit will mean significant change for our citizens and businesses whatever the outcome of the ongoing EU-UK Future Partnership negotiations, and preparing for this change continues to remain a key area of work across Government. This work will intensify in the period ahead. We remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure that citizens and businesses are as ready as they can be for the end of transition.

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