Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2017
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has assessed the positives or negatives in the context of the post-Brexit situation here; the extent to which he and bodies under his aegis can utilise opportunities as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22387/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has undertaken extensive consultation on an all-island and sectoral basis with agencies under its remit and other stakeholders on the risks and opportunities that can arise from Brexit in the areas of aviation, maritime, road transport and logistics, and tourism and sport. The outcome of these consultations inform the analyses of the Department and feed into the overall preparations of Government for the forthcoming negotiations on Brexit.
The main transport and tourism headline priorities are clear, i.e. operation of seamless border controls and ease of movement of goods and people transiting the UK, maintenance of maritime and aviation connectivity, retaining competitiveness in the tourism sector, etc. While it is not possible to predict with certainty what the attitude of the Commission and other Member States may be, or what position may be taken by the UK, the Government negotiating team will keep in mind our priorities in its overall objective of minimising any negative impact for trade and the Irish economy.
The question of opportunities is also being considered. It is too early in the Article 50 negotiation process, however, for agencies and other stakeholders to determine the extent to which opportunities will exist.
