Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Russell for his engagement. Both countries share many challenges in the Brexit process. Mr. Russell remarked on the solidarity that Ireland has been shown by other EU member states and by the bloc sticking together. We have displayed much gratitude for that and have been heartened to see that solidarity. The relationship with the United Kingdom, however, is still so important for Ireland. While we remain committed members of the European Union and we will be forging different paths for now, we still want to protect that relationship with Scotland and the rest of the UK because they are our closest neighbours.

We have done much preparation at our ports in Ireland. Obviously, we rely on the land bridge quite a lot for imports and exports. That means many of our trucks go through Dover. I know this is a particular concern for Scotland as well, as it is the entry point for many of its goods. We do not have the fullness of information we might like to have about preparations at Dover. Could Mr. Russell shed some light as to how things are shaping up at Dover Port for 1 January? I assume there will be some disruption. Will he give us some picture as to how this might look for the first couple of weeks and months?

We have been quite keen to support business through various grants and loan options. We are supporting our haulage industry and exporters to get registered and to take on the extra responsibilities of the paperwork that will be in place when the new rules and regulations come into existence, whatever they might be. How is Mr. Russell finding supporting Scottish business? What schemes has Scotland got in place from which we could learn? Is there some scheme that has been done very well which we might be able to replicate here?

How is Scotland preparing for the supply of medical supplies and products? Does Mr. Russell envisage any products that might not be on the shelves come mid-January? How is Scotland shaping up in ensuring the continuity in supply of medicines and medical devices for its citizens?