Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for facilitating the debate and for his hard work over the past number of months, along with the Ministers of State, Deputies English and Troy, as we enter the final months of the transition period. I was impressed with the level of detail in the content of the Brexit readiness action plan published last month. It was clear from the document that the remaining preparations have taken account of the added pressure related to Covid-19 being experienced by business owners.

I welcome the clarity that the Government will focus its remaining efforts on three specific work streams, one of which is communicating with and supporting sectors and businesses most directly impacted. Much of the communication efforts on the ground are no longer possible due to the pandemic and it is important that additional effort is put into Brexit-related communications as we approach the end of the transition period, including the post-transition period. I commend the work of the local enterprise offices in assisting businesses that have reached out to them, and on their range of supports and training on offer to businesses. However, I am still concerned that some smaller business owners are unprepared for what will happen early next year and about their contingencies if they experience potential disruptions to sourcing raw materials for their businesses.

There are some very practical tools such as Enterprise Ireland's currency impact calculator, which will greatly aid businesses in determining their exposure to foreign exchange risks. We need more of these practical tools. The use of webinars and customer training programmes must continue to be resourced after the transition.

While Mayo is not a Border county, it is approximately a 90-minute drive from Charlestown to Enniskillen. The agricultural and tourism sectors play an important role in local communities in Mayo. One example which binds our communities is the Mayo Peace Park in Castlebar, which I invite the Tánaiste to visit if he has not already done so. During normal public health circumstances, one would regularly see tourists visiting from Northern Ireland and the UK to search the monument for the names of their Irish ancestors. The protocol on Northern Ireland and Ireland, in addition to reaffirming the common travel area, has resulted in a greater degree of certainty for Mayo businesses. Even on a personal level, some people commute weekly from Ireland West Airport Knock to London or other UK cities for work in financial services or construction.

The emerging fear in recent weeks is about what happens if there is a significant difference in public health guidelines in the UK. I fear that public health guidelines may end up circumscribing the progress that has been made in North-South and east-west relations. I have spoken in the Chamber previously about European plans to promote a common approach to travel restrictions and movement within the EU. It is important that there is some alignment between public health guidelines and common approaches to travel, which also must be considered with our closest neighbour.

Communication from the Government and business support agencies will continue to be a key factor in how Irish businesses respond post the transition. I would welcome comments from the Tánaiste on how he wishes to improve the more face-to-face mechanisms in the months ahead.

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