Tuesday, 22 Oct 2019

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (90, 91)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

90. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach the number of capital projects that cost €100 million or more in the past five years; and the cost of outside consultants for each of the projects. [42916/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

91. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach the number of capital projects anticipated to commence in the next five years that cost €100 million or more; and the expected cost of external consultants for each project. [42917/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.

There has been no capital expenditure by my Department or any agency under the remit of my Department in the past 5 years.

There is no capital expenditure anticipated by my Department in the next five years.

Departmental Websites

Ceisteanna (92)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

92. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the expenditure on www.merrionstreet.ie in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [42918/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The website www.merrionstreet.ie is the Irish Government news service which is updated with the latest press releases, speeches and news.

The following table lists costs for maintenance and support of a number of websites, including www.merrionstreet.ie. The contract figure in 2019 for “Managed Hosted Services” by Ptools comprises 7 different websites, of which www.merrionstreet.ie is one.

The website www.merrionstreet.ie is updated by Government Information Service staff as part of their duties.

2014

Company	Detail	Amount
DQ NETWORKS LTD	Registration of IE Domain Names, 2014 - 2019	€134.07
FUSIO LTD	Domain Renewal for 5 year period 10/04/14 – 09/04/2019	€442.00

2015

Company	Detail	Amount
SITEIMPROVE LTD	LinkCheck and Accessibility Check for websites for period 15/02/2015 to 14/02/2016	€1970.00
PTOOLS	Managed Hosted Service for 2016	€8782.00

2016

PTOOLS	Managed Hosted Services for 2017	€8782.00
SITEIMPROVE LTD	LinkCheck and Accessibility Check for websites for period 15/02/2016 to 14/02/2017	€1970.00
DQ NETWORKS LTD	Domain renewal and transfer of sraidmhuirfean.ie 7/06/2016 to 8/06/2021	€134.07

2017

Company	Detail	Amount
PTOOLS	Development of DOT sites	€10258
SITEIMPROVE LTD	LinkCheck and Accessibility Check for websites for period 13/02/2017 to 12/02/2018	€1970.00
DQ NETWORKS LTD	5 Year IE Domain Registration for sráidmhuirfean.ie from 2016 to 2021	€134.07

2018

Company	Detail	Amount
SITEIMPROVE LTD	Services Supplied to Websites, 13/02/2018-12/02/2019	€2025.16
PTOOLS	Managed Hosted Service for 2016	€10,258

2019

Company	Detail	Amount
PTOOLS	Managed Hosted Services for 2019	€10258
DQ NETWORKS LTD	Renewal of merrionstreet.ie 14/5/19 - 13/5/24	€134.07
FUSIO LTD	Domain Renewal 04/04/19 – 03/04/2020	€92.25

Central Statistics Office Data

Ceisteanna (93)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

93. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach the amount sent out of Ireland in personal remittances in each of the past ten years; and the countries to which they were sent each year. [42801/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) estimates worker remittances paid from Ireland as a small component of the current account of the balance of payments. Remittance information is difficult to compile for National Statistics Offices and is usually based on administrative sources and modelling rather than direct collection. The current CSO data are estimated using Revenue data. Pay of non-national workers is used to estimate disposable income and to derive a remittance amount. Data on remittances are published by Eurostat for all member states. The outflows from Ireland are presented in the following table for years 2009-2017.

The CSO is currently investigating new approaches to deriving remittance information.

Personal remittances payments € millions

Country	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017

Brazil	8	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9
Bulgaria	7	7	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
China	15	16	16	16	14	14	14	14	15
Czechia	28	24	21	19	17	17	17	17	17
Estonia	11	10	9	8	7	7	7	7	7
Hungary	39	36	32	29	28	28	28	28	28
India	40	44	44	44	42	42	42	42	43
Latvia	63	63	57	51	50	50	50	50	50
Lithuania	120	117	105	94	92	92	92	92	92
Malaysia	4	5	5	5	4	4	4	4	4
Mexico	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Nigeria	16	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17
Philippines	30	33	33	33	32	32	32	32	32
Poland	513	452	407	367	339	339	339	339	342
Romania	50	46	41	37	39	39	39	39	40
Slovakia	60	52	46	42	37	37	37	37	37
Turkey	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Thailand	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1

of which
EU28	890	806	725	653	615	615	615	615	621
Extra- EU28	150	168	168	168	162	160	160	160	163
Asia	94	105	105	101	97	97	97	97	97
Africa	24	27	27	27	26	26	26	26	27
America	9	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10

Total	1040	973	893	820	777	777	777	777	784

Source: CSO

Departmental Functions

Ceisteanna (94)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

94. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach when he approved the transfer of the operation of the Cork event centre from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. [43179/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Cork Event Centre is included as a commitment under Project Ireland 2040, and it underlines the Government’s objectives around urban regeneration, enhanced amenity and heritage, associated quality of life standards, balanced regional development, and the regeneration and development of Cork City Centre.

Cork City Council is responsible for delivery of the project on behalf of the State.

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government will take over responsibility for making the grant aid support available to Cork City Council. To this end, funding was allocated in Budget 2020 to support the project through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and that Department is now fully engaged in supporting the delivery of the project.

Planning permission was granted for the Cork Event Centre on 10 October by Cork City Council.

Commission on the Future of Policing Membership

Ceisteanna (95, 96)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

95. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach the members of the implementation group on policing reform; and the role of each on the group. [43249/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

96. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach the level of involvement and engagement by his officials with the implementation group on policing reform. [43250/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.

The Future of Policing in Ireland – the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) which was published in September 2018 – recommended (in Chapter 26) the establishment of an Implementation Group on Policing Reform to ensure delivery of the reform programme set out in the CoFPI Report.

The Implementation Group on Policing Reform (IGPR) was therefore established to oversee and drive delivery of ‘A Policing Service for the Future’ – the 4-year plan (2019-2022) to implement the CoFPI Report which was approved by Government in December 2018. The IGPR have collective responsibility for the delivery of the outcomes in ‘A Policing Service for the Future’, and contribute to progress reports generated by the Policing Reform Implementation Programme Office. In addition, individual members of the Group act as programme managers driving delivery, managing risk and reporting on achievement of recommendations applying in their respective organisations and agencies, and participate in sub-groups, where necessary, to focus on discreet, high-impact actions and where co-ordinated activity is required across departments and agencies to support implementation.

The IGPR meets on a monthly basis (most recently on 8 October 2019). In line with the CoFPI recommendation, the IGPR has an independent Chair – Helen Ryan, former member of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland – and its core membership comprises of senior officials from An Garda Síochána; the Department of Justice and Equality; the Department of the Taoiseach; and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Senior representatives of other relevant Departments are also invited to attend meetings of the IGPR on a quarterly basis; namely, the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A High Level Steering Board (HLSB) on Policing Reform, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, meets regularly (most recently on 5 September 2019) to support and guide the work of the IGPR, and act as a clearing house for issues that cannot be resolved by the IGPR, or where particular blockages are being experienced in the implementation of the Plan. The Chair of the IGPR is a member of the HLSB along with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and Secretaries General from the following Departments: Department of Justice and Equality, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Department of Health, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Department of Defence, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Policing Reform Implementation Programme Office, based in the Department of the Taoiseach, supports the work of both the IGPR and the HLSB and reports on the delivery of the Plan to the Cabinet Committee on Security which provides political oversight over, inter alia, the policing reform programme.

Value for Money Reviews

Ceisteanna (97, 98)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

97. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the consultancy service providers engaged by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the costs associated with each (details supplied); and the reason for each service engagement. [43321/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

98. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the details of each value for money and policy review conducted by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; and the cost of each exercise. [43338/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.

As published in my Department's Appropriation Account 2018, there was no expenditure incurred by my Department on consultancy services, and value for money and policy reviews in 2018.

Defence Forces Retirements

Ceisteanna (99)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

99. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason some Defence Forces members must retire at 50 years of age; if this is being examined in the context of the retention crisis in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42947/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Military life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. To this end, it is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way.

The age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was an issue of serious concern during the 1990's and was the subject of severe criticism in a series of external reports. One of the key areas identified for urgent action was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel. As a result, new terms and conditions were introduced for personnel enlisting after 1 January 1994 and new contracts for enlisted personnel were for a period of five years’ service. Since that time, the maximum period of service has been extended out to twenty-one years for line Privates and Corporals. Following an adjudication Corporals and Privates in receipt of Tech Pay Group 3 or higher may be extended to age 50 subject to meeting certain criteria for continuance in service.

Earlier this year, following further discussions with PDFORRA and in light of the adjudication, agreement was reached with PDFORRA that all Privates and Corporals recruited post 1994, will be allowed to continue in service to 31 December 2022 (or until they reach the age of 50), provided these personnel meet certain criteria during this interim period, including medical grades and fitness tests. This is to allow for a review of upper age limits for Post 94 Privates, Corporals and Sergeants as provided for in the White Paper on Defence.

Furthermore, at the recent PDFORRA, Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) on 2 October 2019, I announced that I had instructed my Officials to enter into discussions with PDFORRA with a view to also allowing post 1994 Sergeants continue in service to the same date, subject to their meeting agreed criteria in the interim period.

The actions set out in the implementation plan for the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force also include the examination of issues relevant to age and duration of contracts.

Defence Forces Reports

Ceisteanna (100)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

100. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to publish the report and recommendations of the Defence Forces colour vision working group; and his further plans to implement the recommendations in full. [43140/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I am awaiting the outcome of the considerations of the military authorities in relation to this Working Group. On receipt of their recommendations, I will consider the appropriate courses of action to be taken thereon.

Civil Defence

Ceisteanna (101)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

101. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 15 October 2019, the number of uniforms collected; the cost per uniform; the process for selecting the registered charity to receive the uniforms; when the investigation commenced; when it is due to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43244/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The number of discontinued workwear uniforms delivered by local authorities to my Department's Civil Defence Branch in Roscrea was as follows; 525 rainproof yellow suits, 800 yellow overalls, 168 navy jackets, 157 navy jumpers and 548 pairs of boots. All of these items of uniform were discontinued in 2006 when the uniform was changed and upgraded to the now familiar orange and navy uniform. The discontinued boots were replaced by new steel toe capped boots. All items were donated by my Department in 2017 to a charity registered with the charity regulator.

When the workwear uniforms were donated to the registered charity, they had zero monetary value within Civil Defence as they were discontinued as the official workwear uniform in 2006.

The charity was selected based on their previous engagement with the National Ambulance Service.

My Department has been examining the matter since mid September 2019 when my officials were first informed that the donation had not been managed by the charity as intended. As part of that examination my officials have been in contact with members of An Garda Síochána and with the Charity Regulator. The examination is ongoing.

Consultancy Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (102)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

102. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consultancy service providers engaged by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the costs associated with each (details supplied); the reason for each service engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43311/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The following table provides details of payments made from sub-head A 2.7, Consultancy Services, of the Revised Estimates Volume for Vote 36 for the period 1 January 2018 up to 1 January 2019 as requested by the Deputy. The table also sets out, in relation to those payments, the consultancy service providers engaged by my Department and the reason for each service engagement.

Service Provider	Cost	Consultancy Services Details
Bureau Veritas	€3,154.27	Professional Advice in Aviation Matters
Sandra McDonald	€6,765	Professional Taxation Advice Services
Circa Group	€72,043.62	To establish the feasibility of the Institute of Peace Support and Leadership Training proposed under the 2015 White Paper on Defence

Value for Money Reviews

Ceisteanna (103)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

103. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of each value for money and policy review conducted by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the cost of each exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43328/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The White Paper on Defence 2015, provides the strategic and comprehensive defence policy framework for the period up to 2025. This policy framework is designed to be flexible and responsive. It is within this context that the Government made a commitment to establish a fixed cycle of reviews, every three years, to give assurance that defence policy remains up to date and relevant to changing circumstances. The White Paper specifically provides that the first of these would be a White Paper Update. Work on the Update commenced in 2018 and is now very close to finalisation. Following Government approval, the Update will be published. Work on the Update has been carried out by civil and military personnel and, as such, no additional costs arise.

The White Paper also sets out Government policy on Civil Defence and, in September 2018, I announced a review of the roles and functions of Civil Defence. The outcome of the review will be a policy document titled "Towards 2030" and this will inform the commitment made in the White Paper to update Civil Defence legislation. The review process got underway in September 2018 and work is expected to be concluded in the coming months. As work has been undertaken by officials from my Department, there have been no additional costs involved in carrying out this review.

Curragh Plains Representative Forum

Ceisteanna (104)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

104. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagement between his Department, the Curragh forum and Kildare County Council regarding ongoing land management and maintenance of the Curragh Plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43439/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Defence, pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act 1961, I am the custodian and guardian of the Curragh Plains.

My Department has met and is committed to involvement with Kildare County Council regarding plans for the future management of the Curragh. Both the Department and the Council are cognisant of the need to ensure the conservation of this ancient landscape whilst recognising that the Curragh Plains is also a working environment. In relation to future infrastructure provision and services, my Department continues to engage regularly with Kildare County Council on many and various local issues in relation to the Plains including the future management of the Curragh Plains.

Defence Forces Equipment

Ceisteanna (105)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

105. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be available in 2020 to purchase additional 4x4 armoured utility vehicles and additional armoured logistic vehicles for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43440/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government both at home and overseas.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements, including response to security risks and other emergencies, both at home and overseas.

In accordance with the National Development Plan, the capital allocation for Defence has been increased to €113 million for 2020, an increase of €7 million. The National Development Plan provides for a total of €541 million for Defence over the period 2018-2022. This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years.

In relation to the Army, there is ongoing investment in force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition. Twenty four (24) 4 x 4 Armoured Utility Vehicles were acquired in late 2017 and in 2018 the Defence Forces took delivery of ten (10) new armoured logistic vehicles. A significant investment is being made in the Army’s fleet of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers. A multi-year mid-life upgrade programme is underway at a cost of €55m plus VAT which will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. To date twenty nine (29) upgraded vehicles have been delivered to the Defence Forces, with a further nine (9) due to return in early 2020.

The Defence Forces fleet of armoured and non-armoured vehicles is subject to regular review to ensure that it meets operational requirements both at home and overseas. In this regard a requirement for additional 4x4 armoured utility vehicles has been identified and subject to consideration of a business case and assessment of associated cost, funding will be made available. At this time there are no plans for the purchase of additional armoured logistic vehicles for the Defence Forces.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.

Army Barracks

Ceisteanna (106)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

106. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when upgrade and refurbishment works to the cookhouse and dining hall at Custume Barracks, Athlone, will commence and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43616/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As part of the ongoing Capital Building Programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces, it was recognised the need to refurbish and upgrade the existing Dining Hall at Custume Barracks for the purpose of providing a modern kitchen and dining facility to accommodate all ranks stationed at the Barracks.

The main works contract, valued at €4.1m, was awarded in October 2018 to Bourke Builders Ltd, who were successful in a highly competitive tender competition. Works started on site in October 2018 and are scheduled to be finished by the end of this year.

Air Corps Recruitment

Ceisteanna (107)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

107. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new recruitment campaign for pilots and air traffic controllers will be launched before the end of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43617/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Following on from the 2019 cadetships competition, the Air Corps inducted 10 new cadets on 7th October 2019. Actions are also underway to increase the number of qualified Air Traffic Controller (ATC) personnel in the Air Corps with 4 commencing ATC training on 21st October 2019 and similar training planned for Q1 2020 for 3 student ATCs.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (108, 109, 122)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

108. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken with his Spanish counterpart recently. [42932/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

109. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Catalonia was discussed at the most recent EU meetings. [42933/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

122. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the imprisonment of nine Catalan political and civil society leaders for between 9 and 13 years by the Spanish Supreme Court in Madrid; if he has raised the case with his Spanish counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42985/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 109 and 122 together.

I am aware of the verdict of the Spanish Supreme Court to which the question refers and the reaction to the decision in Catalonia and the rest of Spain.

The question of Catalan independence remains a deeply divisive and contentious issue in Spain.

Given the importance we attach to respect for the separation of powers, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on a case ruled upon by the Spanish courts.

The constitutional and political arrangements in Spain are matters to be determined by its own citizens, through its democratic processes and institutions, in full respect of the rule of law. I want to reiterate Ireland's respect for the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain.

The freedom to express contesting views is essential in any democracy, but differences of opinion must be contested with full respect for the law and the rights of all citizens. This is the foundation that underpins and protects modern democratic societies.

I maintain regular contact with my Spanish counterpart on a range of issues, including the situation in Catalonia.

Our Ambassador in Spain and officials at the Embassy also continue to monitor the situation closely, including in the context of travel advice provided to Irish citizens.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 120, 123, 124, 125)

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 to 115, inclusive, 120 and 123 to 125, inclusive, together.

The Government’s detailed and comprehensive work across all sectors on no deal planning is guided by the priorities and actions set out in the Government’s Contingency Action Plan Update. This Update, published on 9 July, takes forward the approach of the Contingency Action Plan published in December 2018, and reflects extensive work on a whole-of-Government basis and at EU level on no deal contingency planning.

Key elements of these preparations include the Brexit Omnibus Act passed by the Oireachtas and signed into law in March 2019. The last four budgets have all contained dedicated measures to get Ireland Brexit ready. Budget 2020 makes more than €1 billion available in the event of a no deal Brexit to help the people and businesses most affected, if and when they need it.

The Government has put in place a range of contingency and mitigation measures across different sectors. The coordination and robustness of these measures continues to be reviewed and tested including through scenario planning, some of which has involved external expertise, and this continues to inform Government’s ongoing preparations and plans.

The Government is acutely conscious of the particular needs and vulnerabilities of the border region in the context of Brexit and particularly in the event of a no deal outcome. Mitigating the potential impact of Brexit, and the importance of avoiding a hard border, for people living in all the border counties is a key priority. The measures provided for in Budget 2020 for a no deal scenario provide for funding to allow for further specific initiatives, targeting the most affected parts of the country – for example the border region – should that prove necessary.

Throughout the Brexit process there has been a strong understanding from our EU partners of the need to address these unique circumstances on the island of Ireland. Ireland and our EU partners are united in our determination to do all we can, deal or no deal, to protect our citizens, our businesses, including those in border counties, and our peace.

On 8 May the Irish and British Governments entered into a Memorandum of Understanding reaffirming our joint commitment to the Common Travel Area, and to maintaining this long-standing reciprocal arrangement under which Irish and British citizens can live, work, study, and access healthcare, social security and public services in each other’s jurisdictions. This strong reassurance that the CTA will continue in all Brexit scenarios is an important one for our citizens, in particular in border areas, and has been a focus of recent Brexit communications.

Cross border bus and rail transport services will continue to operate in the usual way and cross border health services are managed by service level agreements. Even in a no deal Brexit situation, these services and others like them will continue.

Government has put in place a range of measures to support businesses, including those in the border counties, to prepare for Brexit in all scenarios. These measures include financial supports for businesses, and an intensified and individual business-focused outreach and engagement programme by Revenue designed to support and assist businesses in understanding the potential impact of Brexit and how to prepare for and mitigate the risks, including by being prepared for new customs requirements.