Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many of the comments centre on Brexit.

From the State's point of view, the role of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners is to make sure that the customs measures are fully in place so that things can move quickly with no undue delays. The issue of expanded facilities is a matter for the Department of Transport and is not within the remit of my Department. The remit of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners relates to customs matters, which are well up to speed. I am concerned that some small businesses in Ireland are still not fully aware of what could happen on 1 January but there will not be any problems on the Revenue Commissioner's side. Revenue has very good technology and is very quick to implement any changes required. We are satisfied that the Revenue side of things is okay.

On port facilities, the biggest issue in the context of roll-on, roll-off is that some products are perishable while others are not. In theory, it is quicker to go through the UK once there is not a five-hour tailback somewhere along the line on the land bridge. Some products are not time sensitive and can be transported over the longer period involved with the roll-on, roll-off system. Some businesses do not like to hold large amounts of stock and like to order items on an as-necessary basis. These are issues for the Departments responsible for business and transport rather than for the Department of Finance.

On the environmental levy, the Deputy asks a very fair question. The figure appears to be historical and was probably set a long number of years ago. I will ask the Department to look at it to make sure it is still a fair charge and not one that just continually repeats itself, which seems to be the case. I will make sure that is examined prior to the next Estimate.