Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 November 2018

Thursday, 22 November 2018

Ceisteanna (110)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

110. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingencies in place for trading enterprises in the transport and haulage sector in the event of a no deal Brexit; and if she has had discussions with the EU Commission and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding flexibility in relation to state aid thresholds for trading enterprises using port facilities to transport goods to continental Europe or via the UK land bridge in such an event. [48792/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

I have been advised by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, that pending the final outcome of the EU/UK negotiations, it is not possible at this stage to outline what regulatory regime will be in place for Irish licensed road transport operators in the various post-Brexit scenarios.  The Government remains focused on the finalisation of the withdrawal agreement to ensure an orderly UK exit, work is continuing to prepare for all contingencies.  

Officials from my Department are part of a Technical Working Group on State aid which also comprises representatives from DG Competition, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules.

Should Brexit related  issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Technical Working Group discussions.