Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking an interest in this issue. I also want to mention the recent admission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, that special status for the North is needed. However, we must ensure the agencies discussed today are ready to assist in all possible circumstances, including no deal being reached and World Trade Organization, WTO, tariffs introduced. As a result of the disarray in the Tory Government in Britain, this outcome is a very strong possibility, and we consequently need to prepare our jobs agencies to take pre-emptive action to help businesses and exporters. To assume the DUP will do anything positive for Ireland with respect to Brexit would be a massive mistake.

In excess of 1,933 categories of goods are traded South to North and 2,269 traded North to South. Businesses will need extensive help in navigating any obstacles should the worst come to pass and no deal be agreed. Will the Minister commit to re-examining staffing levels at these three agencies to ensure they are adequately resourced and staffed and can provide all necessary assistance and preparation?

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