Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
8. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has considered providing training to businesses on becoming an authorized consignee to aid with post-Brexit trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23605/21]
View answerAn authorised consignee is authorised by Revenue subject to certain prescribed criteria such as including having practical standards of competence or professional qualifications directly related to the activity carried out and to be able to communicate electronically with Revenue through the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). However, Enterprise Ireland does not provide such training to businesses on becoming authorised consignees.
As this is very much a freight, transport and logistics sectoral issue, there are various representative associations providing services to and for their memberships and running training programmes covering all aspects of customs procedures including the role of the authorised consignee.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Skillnet is also currently developing a programme to support businesses in becoming an authorised consignee, with the programme expected to be available by mid Q3 2021. The programme is focused on the practical aspects of operating as an authorised consignee and aimed at companies of all sizes in the transport and logistics sectors. CILT Skillnet intends to liaise with Revenue to ensure that the content meets Revenue standards and requirements as they relate to acting as an authorised consignee. The ‘Authorised Consignee’ programme will complement the ongoing work of CILT Skillnet in providing programmes to aid Irish Companies with post-Brexit trading.
