Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for raising this because it helps us bring the focus onto this. We totally agree with him. From a departmental point of view, we want companies to engage and recognise how serious this is. We acknowledge that, since February, companies have had a great deal thrown at them in regard to Covid and they are trying to manage their way through that. However, Brexit is looming and is coming in approximately 50 days. In fairness to companies, there have been many deadlines in the past couple of years in respect of Brexit and they have kept moving, so they might be a bit relaxed as we get closer. However, we have seen a greater engagement over the past few weeks in preparing for Brexit. The supports are there to help companies with the customs ends of this and the personnel required for that. Quite a number have engaged and drawn down the grant but we want more to do that.

I know from chairing the retail consultation forum that many in the retail sector are well prepared but there are concerns out there that a number of companies who are either importing or exporting from the UK are not prepared. We are in a position to work with them and, even at this late stage, to help them prepare as best they can but they have to engage. We are trying to locate them but we need them to come forward and if any Members can help, we would be delighted to support that.

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