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Brexit Preparations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Questions (104)

Alan Kelly

Question:

104. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the Brexit Readiness Action Plan and the role of his Department in implementing same. [25029/20]

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Written answers

The Brexit Readiness Action Plan supports and assists business and citizens prepare for the significant changes that will arise on 1 January 2021. Extensive work continues across Government on implementing the Plan, coordinated by my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.

Following publication of the Action Plan, Revenue sent Brexit Readiness Checklists to over 90,000 businesses. They are following up with direct phone calls to several thousand businesses. Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and the LEOs continue to provide upskilling, and advisory supports. Sectoral briefings in areas such as agri-food, construction, retail, transport and logistics are ongoing. Work continues to further develop the infrastructure and systems at Dublin and Rosslare Ports.

Since it opened 3 weeks ago, funding of €193,500 has been approved for the “Ready for Customs” package which assists business hire or redeploy employees to a dedicated customs role. 1,000 businesses have also registered for Skillnet’s free customs training programme. We developed both these customs-focussed programmes in response to a need highlighted by business.

An intensified communications campaign on national, local and social media is underway. The initial focus is on stressing the need for business to prepare for the coming changes immediately. Campaigns focussed on the impacts on citizens such as online retail from the UK are rolling out. A further round of trader-focussed messages is scheduled for mid-October.

Ministers continue to engage with their stakeholder groups on Brexit. Recently, I chaired the Brexit Stakeholders Forum and also took part in an IBEC webinar involving some 600 participants. I will meet the Irish Exporters Association, the Irish Farmers Association and Macra na Feirme in the coming weeks. I expect to bring the 2020 Brexit Omnibus Bill before the Oireachtas shortly.

With less than 90 days to the end of the transition period, the Government will continue to support and advise business and citizens prepare for the substantial and lasting change arising on 1 January 2021.

Question No. 105 answered orally.
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