Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

These are the categories in the Government's own Brexit preparedness document. What people need to know are the exact plans if the UK crashes out or if we have an orderly Brexit. They need to know what delays they are likely to face.

Businesses need to know where the checks will be made and what effect they will have on operating margins. How much time will be needed to go through checks? These are the questions that must be answered and this is the level of hand-holding the country needs as we waver through unprecedented times.

I asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, about the issue of the landbridge and the significant challenges in terms of perishable goods and the effects of delays. He was oblivious to these difficulties. When asked, he claimed that there is sufficient capacity and was confident that, if there is not, the market will respond in a timely fashion. I do not believe that it will.

On energy, although supplies may not be disrupted, a hard Brexit would increase electricity bills for businesses and homes at a time when we already pay one of the highest rates in Europe. What is being done to bring those costs down and provide alternative energy sources?

On State access to finance, there is continuous reference to the €60 million that has been ring-fenced. However, only 11% of that funding has been availed of. Small and medium enterprises are facing many unknowns. Given the many challenges they face, they may not be able to take out a further loan for which they may be personally responsible. Our SMEs need an update on the Government's discussions with the Commission regarding access to state aid and the relaxation of the rules in that regard. They need to know what EU funding will be injected into the various sectors that would be severely challenged by a crash-out Brexit. The Government was not prepared for a crash-out Brexit on 31 March. It now has a small window of opportunity and it must accelerate its efforts.

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