I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 to 219, inclusive, together.
I am advised by Revenue that they have a detailed framework in place to recruit additional resources for Brexit in line with the Government decision of September 2018. Revenue have determined that they will require an additional 600 staff as a result of Brexit. This is based on the central case scenario of an orderly withdrawal, to include a transition period to the end of 2020, followed by a comprehensive future trading relationship between the EU and the UK. The work to be undertaken by these staff will include support for trade facilitation measures and the operation of customs checks and controls where this is necessary.
Internal, interdepartmental and open recruitment campaigns are underway. An open recruitment campaign undertaken by the Public Appointments Service commenced on 11 September 2018 and attracted in excess of 3,000 applications. Interviews for this campaign commenced on 20 October 2018. Those considered suitable will proceed directly into an initial five week training and mentoring programme.
I am advised by Revenue that they are confident that plans are fully on track for the first 200 additional trade facilitation staff to be trained and in place by 29 March 2019.
The remaining 400 customs officials will be recruited during the transitional period to the end of 2020. Revenue are continuing to consider various measures that could be employed should additional staff be required for March 2019, including the acceleration of interdepartmental and open recruitment and the redeployment of existing Revenue staff.
Revenue’s preparations are focused on facilitating trade on an East-West basis and I am advised that staff will be assigned, and redeployed as necessary, to best service this requirement.
I wish to confirm that the information previously provided pertains only to the recruitment of customs officers. Recruitment of veterinary inspectors is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.