Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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59. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place to increase inspections at Dublin Port and other ports in the wake of Brexit; if it is planned to publish key performance indicators of inspection activity levels each week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41614/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Planning for increased inspections in Dublin and Rosslare Ports began in 2018. My Department, in conjunction with Revenue and the Department of Health has invested significantly in the acquisition and adaptation of substantial infrastructure at both ports, including facilities for truck parking, unloading bays, inspection rooms, storage facilities and offices.

Over 230 import controls staff have been assigned by my Department, the majority of which will be based in Dublin Port, where the majority trucks coming from the UK, arrive today.  We have also implemented an import controls IT system, designed to maximise the efficiency of the inspection process.  

As a result of these arrangements, my Department is ready to fulfil the expanded control obligations at Dublin and Rosslare Ports, on 1st January , whilst continuing to facilitate trade. It is our intention to make information available, regarding the number and type of inspections carrried out in Dublin and Rosslare Ports, on a weekly basis, starting in early January .

It is crucial to keep our exports and imports flowing post 1st January.