Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, contingency planning across Government for a range of Brexit scenarios is well advanced. Co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-departmental co-ordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst case outcome is well advanced and is focused on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome.

The Brexit negotiations are ongoing and, therefore, there is still a lot of uncertainty around for what we need to prepare. However, there are certain changes for which the Government can prepare, including getting our ports and airports ready for what may be a changed trading relationship with the UK at the end of March next year or the expiry of the transitional period in December 2020. In this regard, additional customers officers, veterinary inspectors and infrastructure will be required at our ports. This work is well advanced and the Government will be in a position to take the necessary decision if and when required. In the meantime, we are advising business to prepare for the worst outcome, while the Government negotiates for the best.

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