Written answers

Tuesday, 29 January 2019

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Brexit Issues

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

96. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of preparedness for a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4181/19]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Work across Government has identified key issues arising in each Brexit scenario, including in a no deal scenario. 

At its meeting of 11 December the Government agreed, that while work on Brexit preparedness for the central case scenario should continue, in light of ongoing political uncertainties and the Brexit deadline of 29 March, greater immediate priority must now be give to preparations for a no deal Brexit.

Following this, the Government published its Brexit Contingency Action Plan on 19 December which sets out detailed sectoral analyses and approaches to mitigating the impacts of a no deal Brexit. Ireland's Action Plan is consistent with and complementary to the approach being taken at EU27 level to prepare for the UK's withdrawal.

On 15 January, further discussion at Cabinet took this work forward in the important areas of transport connectivity and medicines, with Memos brought to Government by Minister Ross and Minister Harris respectively.

While ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement is still the Government's preferred outcome, last week the Government published the general scheme of proposed primary legislative measures required in the event of a no deal Brexit.  

The draft Omnibus Bill focuses on measures protecting our citizens and supporting the economy, enterprise and jobs, particularly in key economic sectors.  

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.