Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There has been some progress, with 43 trade facilitation staff recruited by the Revenue Commissioners. I understand the training programme has a duration of five weeks and the Minister has confirmed that the Revenue Commissioners remain on target to have 200 extra staff in place by the end of next March. Presumably, this phase of the recruitment process will end next February to have all of the staff in place, which is welcome. Is the Minister giving a commitment that the recruitment process will continue or does it depend on the outcome of the negotiations? Given that it is based on the central scenario of a deal and a transition period, I assume the 600 staff will still be required in that context. Can the Minister give more detail on his reference to financial services and the risk which must be mitigated in respect of firms currently selling into Ireland on the basis of the passporting provisions? What assurance can he give that this issue will be dealt with in advance of Brexit?

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