Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if political and economic issues that have arisen in the aftermath of Brexit have become problematic given that pre-Brexit no such situations arose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56775/21]
View answerThe Government has dedicated substantial time and resources into preparing for the political and economic effects of Brexit since 2016. The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement agreed by the EU and the UK mitigate many of the potential political and economic issues that might have arisen as a result of Brexit. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for tariff-free, quota-free trade in goods and for sectoral cooperation in a number of important areas.
The Protocol is the agreed solution to mitigate the disruption caused by Brexit for the island of Ireland. It safeguards the Good Friday Agreement, ensures there is no hard border on the island of Ireland and also protects the EU single market and Ireland’s place in it.
On 13 October, the Commission announced a package of far-reaching proposals aimed at addressing the practical, genuine issues raised by businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland. Discussions continue between the EU and the UK. Ireland wants these discussions to succeed and is fully supportive of the Commission’s approach.
The Government undertook an intensive effort across departments and agencies to mitigate the disruption caused by Brexit. This included the development of two Brexit Omnibus Acts; three Brexit Action Plans; substantial investment in the State’s infrastructure and IT systems (including provision for 1,500 additional staff to support new checks and controls); and the provision of financial, upskilling and advisory supports for impacted sectors and businesses. Throughout the Brexit process, our readiness work was always underpinned by a strong communications and outreach programme.
However, no Government mitigation programme can address all of the challenges of Brexit. Even with the Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in place, the seamless trade in goods with Great Britain has ceased due to the UK Government’s decision to leave the Customs Union and Single Market.
The Government keeps the outworking of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement under ongoing review and, as we have done throughout the Brexit process, we will remain fully engaged with stakeholders and support businesses as they continue to navigate the Brexit challenges. A range of financial, upskilling and advisory supports for impacted sectors and businesses remain available. In particular, the Government is currently assisting traders in their preparations for the introduction of further UK import controls on 1 January and 1 July 2022.
