Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand that but given the context of this discussion, would it be helpful if we discussed it in more detail because for instance, there are many people such as hauliers in Ireland who transit to and from the UK? Have there been discussions about what such people will be required to do because there will definitely be changes in legal status and potentially in taxation status also?

Many people are trying to make a living and we already know what happens when there are delays in British ports. I am sure that the Minister has seen the work that is ongoing with a lane in the motorway being reserved near the ports in the south east of England. It would be useful if we could have advice and discussion on this because tens of thousands of people's livelihoods are at stake once the transition period comes in. I hope the transitionary period could last until the end of 2021 as the Minister does. Nonetheless there needs to be a lot of legal clarity because otherwise the people driving trucks could be faced with unexpected demands regarding their data, documentation or clearances in a changed environment.

I wish it was not so but that is how these things work.