Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, a secret memorandum was brought to the Cabinet. Once secret matters are brought to the Cabinet, they do not remain secret, as is evident from the front page of the Irish Examiner this morning. The memorandum relates to Brexit-proofing and Brexit preparedness and, in the context of transportation, Dublin Port, Dublin Airport, Rosslare Europort and other ports and the infrastructure that might be required if the Brexit deal does not go well in the votes at Westminster. If the latter proves to be the case, a hard Brexit is a potential outcome. Have there been consultations with the Attorney General about preparing legislation that could give the Government emergency powers for the acquisition of sites and to circumvent the statutory planning process to ensure that we will be able to move swiftly in the event of a no-deal Brexit? Finally, with regard to our EU obligations, have there been any tentative discussions on the idea of more flexibility with budgets in respect of state aid in view of the potential risks to our economy?

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