Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:123. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Finance the status of the recruitment of 450 new customs officials in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12558/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 13 March 2019
Ceisteanna (123, 127)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:127. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Finance the number of the new 600 customs officers that will be fully trained and in place on 30 March 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12703/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 127 together.
In September 2018, the Government granted approval in principle for the phased recruitment of an additional 600 Revenue staff to meet the challenges posed by Brexit. Budget 2019 provided Revenue with the funding needed for 270 of the additional 600 staff to be recruited during 2019 to manage an orderly UK withdrawal. Following the Government decision to give greater priority to the preparations for a No Deal Brexit in December 2018, it was agreed to accelerate Revenue’s recruitment plans.
I am advised by Revenue that they have appointed over 290 additional staff to customs roles up to 11 March 2019. Revenue plans to appoint an additional 110 staff to customs and related roles between now and 29 March 2019.
Revenue are on track to have appointed approximately 400 additional staff to customs and related roles for Brexit by 29 March 2019. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, Revenue plans to appoint a further 200 staff during the rest of 2019.