Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
51. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he has engaged with the Revenue Commissioners on the possibility of offering a training service to businesses on becoming an authorised consignee to aid with post-Brexit trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23606/21]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that training as regards the customs formalities and requirements arising from the UK’s departure from the EU is a matter primarily for each business to determine based on its business model, supply chain, level of existing customs expertise, if any, and any contractual arrangement in place with a customs agent to undertake and complete customs formalities on behalf of the business. However, in preparation for the UK’s departure from the EU, Revenue did engage extensively and directly over a 2 year period with businesses, customs agents, representative organisations as well as individual truck drivers to help them navigate the challenges in terms of getting familiar with and completing customs formalities. This level of support ranged from briefing seminars, involving physical attendance when that was possible, webinars, online guidance and targeted, sector-specific advice and the operation of a 24/7 Customs Operations Helpline. I am further advised that Revenue continues to work with trade and business, on both a collective and individual basis, to assist them in addressing the challenges and issues arising from the UK’s departure from the EU. Customs and other State agency officials work on a 24/7 basis at Dublin and Rosslare ports and in Dublin Airport, and will work with businesses to resolve issues as quickly as possible. There are a range of Government supports available, including training and grants, to help business deal with these changes resulting from the UKs departure from the EU. More information is available on the, ‘Government Brexit Advisory, Financial and Upskilling Supports’ page of the Gov.ie website. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1efec-programmes-funds-and-supports/ With regard to becoming an authorised consignee, I am advised that the specific steps required are clearly outlined on the Revenue website https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs-traders-and-agents/transit/index.aspx. Where an economic operator has specific questions as to their application or indeed the legal aspects of the role of Authorised Consignee they may contact the Transit Unit at centraltransitofficenenagh@revenue.ie. Where a business has a specific IT related question they may contact E-Customs at ecustoms@revenue.ie.
