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

In the first five months post Brexit, businesses have been coming to terms with the new trading environment involving customs procedures and other regulatory checks at the ports. In addition, rules of origin issues have arisen in some instances, leading businesses to seek out suppliers in different markets. Businesses are adjusting to the new trading realities, finding alternative supply chains and are being encouraged to find new markets for their products.

Preparations by Government in the lead-up to Brexit have paid dividends and Departments and State bodies have engaged directly with businesses, hauliers, shipping companies, trade and representative bodies to help them on all Brexit-related issues. This has ranged from the provision of 24/7 in-person support at the ports, ready-for-customs grants to help businesses build in-house customs capacity, which are still available for businesses that are in need of them, and technical webinars and online guidance on a targeted, sector-specific basis.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the most Brexit-impacted sectors, areas and regions in the economy will be supported through the Brexit adjustment reserve. The proposed allocation of €1.1 billion to Ireland from this EU fund recognises that Ireland is one of the most Brexit-impacted member states.

It is too early, based on CSO trade statistics for the first quarter of 2021, to assess and draw any firm conclusions on trade flows between Ireland and Great Britain resulting from Brexit. Other factors are at play, not least Covid-19, as well as the temporary derogations and grace periods under the trade and co-operation agreement and the Ireland-Northern Ireland protocol. The Government is committed to a post-implementation analysis of the impact of Brexit on the economy once a sufficient period has elapsed to allow a full analysis to be undertaken.

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