Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

134. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to set up an operations centre similar to the model being established in Northern Ireland to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. [11931/19]

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

Since before the Brexit referendum took place, the Government has been preparing for all possible Brexit scenarios.

On 11 December 2018, the Government decided to give greater immediate priority to the preparations for a no deal Brexit.  Cross-Departmental co-ordination structures have taken forward work since then on a whole of Government basis, including preparing for a possible intensification of co-ordination and operational engagement in a no deal Brexit. 

The European Council Decision of 11 April 2019 means that the immediate risk of a no deal Brexit has reduced. 

However, while the risk of a no deal Brexit has receded, it has not been fully averted, and preparations by Government for all possible scenarios are therefore continuing. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to monitor developments and make appropriate arrangements in this regard, working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach.