Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know that the Minister of State and I have had the opportunity to have this conversation at the stakeholder meeting, but I would like to have the issues dealt with in the Dáil. Will she clarify reports carried on RTÉ two days ago that EU officials were talking about checks being carried out far away from the Border, if at all possible, and that it need not be visible infrastructure. It indicates that certain conversations have taken place. Will the Minister of State outline to the House what the conversations have entailed in so far as she possibly can?

Will the Minister of State outline the timeline for the financial aid package that will be available from the European Commission in the event that there is a no-deal Brexit. How quickly would we be able to access funds? What level of negotiations has she had and what stage have they reached?

I highlight the chilling impact Brexit has already had on business. There has been positive feedback on the training provided by Revenue and the Customs service. However, a lack of consumer confidence, with people holding off on investments, in hiring staff and agreeing to new contracts, indicates that damage has been done. What plans does the Government have to conduct an assessment of the impact of Brexit on business, even in getting a deal over the line?

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