Written answers

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Photo of Lisa ChambersLisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on his Department's preparations for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27604/18]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Brexit will have implications across all aspects of the business of the European Union. While the vote does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or for Ireland’s continuing engagement within the EU in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), it is expected that Brexit will have an impact on future developments in the Defence sphere.

Structures have been put in place in my Department to address the potential challenges arising from Brexit including the assignment of responsibility to a senior official at Assistant Secretary General level for Brexit related matters. The senior official is leading the Department’s input to deliberations within the framework established across Government.  In addition, the Management Board is acting as a clearing house for Brexit and maintains oversight of all Brexit related matters on an ongoing basis.

In respect of the border, the potential implications in this regard will emerge during the course of the negotiations. It is this Government’s stated goal to try to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible.

Responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.  Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the civil power and the civil authorities.  The Defence Forces at all times keep operational plans under constant review and there will continue to be ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including through regular coordination and liaison meetings.

My Department, together with the Naval Service and the Air Corps are also working closely with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), who are the competent authority on fishery matters.

In addition, the Government Task Force (GTF) on Emergency Planning has been briefed on potential emergency planning implications/issues that may arise from Brexit.  The GTF will continue to monitor any future impacts on emergency planning that may arise as the Brexit negotiations unfold. 

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