Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We were all aware of possible problems with the land bridge. Internally, I challenged the view that the market would respond. It has responded so far, which is welcome. Any shipping company which has provided more routes has seen significant amounts to transport. When we talk about one in five, the vast majority of checks are documentary. The stops involve paperwork. Much of that paperwork can be rectified. That will take some getting used to, with companies getting used to the new procedures and finding it difficult to get customs experts, which is why there is Government support. UK trader preparedness is also an issue. It was at 85% in Dublin over the weekend. We keep that under review. It was at 70% a few weeks ago. It is a slow increase but it is increasing.

Revenue is willing to listen to people and when issues are brought to my attention or the Deputy's attention and the officials find out about them, they try to find solutions. In one case where there was a customs delay, Revenue helped out so that it could move more quickly, but if animals have to be checked, they have to be checked. There will always be stops and checks. That is the unfortunate reality of Britain's decision to leave the European Union and the Single Market.