Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
206. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance his plans to conduct an outreach programme to ensure that all businesses are equipped to make the necessary decisions on customs in the context of preparations for Brexit; if an estimated start date has been set; the number of engagements targeted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26554/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that there is ongoing engagement with the business community through meetings with business/trade representative groups, attendance at various Brexit events throughout the country and at meetings of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), representing the logistics, import and export sectors. Up to the present, the engagement has been for the purpose of listening to the concerns of business and advising on general customs matters.
There is a lot of negotiation yet to be done around trading arrangements and, by extension, any customs regime that might apply. It is premature to set out, or provide advice on the basis of detailed possible solutions, particularly when negotiations have yet to properly begin. It is important that technical solutions do not anticipate, or indeed drive, outcomes at a political level.
However, when there is more clarity about the likely outcome of Brexit negotiations, Revenue plan to conduct a general information campaign to assist businesses in assessing the likely customs impact on their business. In a second stage, businesses which appear from Revenue records to have trade with the UK will be canvassed directly, and given the opportunity to discuss their particular issues. Closer to the date of UK exit, an intensive programme of registration and authorisation will be undertaken to prepare businesses in detail for implementation of customs procedures.
