Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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56. To ask the Minister for Finance the outcome of discussions his Department and the Revenue Commissioners have had with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and Britain in relation to the need to minimise to the greatest extent possible the adverse impacts of Brexit and to ensure the continuation of the existing co-operation between the statutory agencies North and South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50801/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s priorities on Brexit are clear, minimising impact on trade and the economy, protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process, maintaining the Common Travel Area and influencing the future of the European Union.

The Government’s position remains that there can be no hard border on the island of Ireland – the border must remain invisible.

Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.

As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences for Ireland of a range of different possible scenarios.

Parallel to this work, ongoing cooperation between Ireland and Great Britain continues as demonstrated by my meetings with UK Chancellor Hammond and at official level with the Treasury this year.

In addition, I am informed by Revenue that the long-standing co-operation they enjoy with HMRC colleagues in Northern Ireland and Great Britain continues. This involves regular interaction between operational staff, and occasional meetings up to and including Board level, on issues of mutual concern.