Written answers

Thursday, 14 February 2019

Department of Finance

Brexit Preparations

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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21. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to date and plans to take in preparation for post-Brexit customs checks at ports here, specifically Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7267/19]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by Revenue that, in keeping with their role and responsibilities, they are strongly focused on facilitating the efficient and timely movement of legitimate trade, post Brexit.

During 2018, Revenue chaired an Inter-Departmental group which was established to consider the adequacy of port and airport infrastructure and facilities, post-Brexit. The group included representatives from Revenue; the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine; the Department of Health; the HSE’s Environmental Health Service; the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; the OPW; the Department of Justice; and An Garda Síochána.

In relation to Rosslare Europort, the group identified the infrastructural requirements including service and accommodation requirements. Following a Government Decision in September 2018, the OPW were tasked with leading the engagement with relevant stakeholders, with a view to ensuring that the necessary additional infrastructure for both the central case and the no-deal scenarios becomes operational in a timely manner. This work is ongoing towards having the necessary temporary facilities in place to cater for a no-deal scenario in March 2019 as well as permanent facilities in place by 1 January 2021.

As regards staffing and resources, I am advised that Revenue are on track to have appointed over 400 additional staff nationally to customs and related roles for Brexit during the period September 2018 to 29 March 2019. 30 of these additional 400 staff are being assigned to Rosslare Europort. These additional staff will bring the total Revenue staff in Rosslare EuroPort to approximately 50 by 29 March 2019.

I am also advised that on 30 January, Revenue, together with Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, hosted a Customs Brexit Information seminar in Wexford town. This was part of an extensive trader engagement program where they contacted traders who trade with the UK highlighting the Brexit-related Revenue supports and inviting them to a series of Revenue Brexit seminars. The seminars provide traders with the opportunity to speak directly with Revenue experts across a range of specific Customs themes as well as with experts from other Government Departments. Revenue will continue its engagement with and support of trade and business providing them with timely information in relation to unfolding political and policy developments.

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