Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2019
16. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the Revenue Commissioners will ensure the integrity of the Single Market while also ensuring there is no hard border in the event of a hard Brexit. [7344/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU and Ireland have stated that they are determined in the context of Brexit, deal or 'no deal', to avoid the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland. In a 'no deal' scenario, intensive discussions between the Government, the EU Commission and EU partners will be required regarding the movement of goods North-South and the protecting of the EU’s Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. I am assured by Revenue that they will provide whatever technical expertise and assistance is required by the Government to facilitate those discussions.
I am advised by Revenue that their preparations do not include any plans for infrastructure at the border with Northern Ireland. This is in line with the Government’s position in the matter. The Deputy will be aware that the Revenue Chairman, Niall Cody, set out this position clearly when he and Revenue officials appeared before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach on 24 January 2019.
