Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in keeping with their role and responsibilities, they are strongly focused on facilitating the efficient and timely movement of legitimate trade post Brexit. During 2018, the Revenue Commissioners chaired an interdepartmental group established to consider the adequacy of port and airport infrastructure and facilities post Brexit. The group included representatives from the Revenue Commissioners; the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Health; the HSE's environmental health service; the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Office of Public Works; the Department of Justice and Equality; and An Garda Síochána.

Regarding Rosslare Europort, the group identified the infrastructural requirements, including service and accommodation requirements. Following a Government decision in September 2018, the OPW was tasked with leading the engagement with relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring that the necessary additional infrastructure for both the central case and the no-deal scenarios becomes operational in a timely manner. This work is ongoing towards having the necessary temporary facilities in place to cater for a no-deal scenario in March 2019 as well as permanent facilities in place by 1 January 2021.

As regards staffing and resources, I am advised that Revenue is on track to have appointed over 400 additional staff nationally to customs and related roles for Brexit during the period from September 2018 to 29 March 2019. Of these additional 400 staff, 30 are being assigned to Rosslare Europort. These additional staff will bring the total Revenue staff in that port to approximately 50 by the end of March.

I am also advised that on 30 January, Revenue, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, hosted a customs Brexit information seminar in Wexford town. This was part of an extensive trader engagement programme where it contacted traders who trade with the UK to highlight and work on the many issues that will be generated by Brexit.

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