Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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136. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports being provided to Irish road hauliers to enable adjustment to the challenges raised by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4032/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The UK’s decision to leave the Single Market and Customs Union means that traders must now engage with a range of checks and controls on trade with Great Britain that did not previously apply. This is fundamentally impacting on many businesses in Ireland, including on the road haulage sector.

These changes represent a considerable shock to existing supply chains and logistics arrangements. The checks and controls which are now taking place are necessary and permanent, and are required in accordance with Ireland’s obligations to the Single Market and to protect public health and food. The Government fully acknowledges that this presents significant challenges and imposes additional burdens on hauliers and on all businesses trading with Great Britain. This is evidenced by the lower than anticipated flows of goods from Great Britain to Ireland since 1 January 2021.

The Government has provided a range of supports to assist businesses in adapting to the new rules and procedures that are now in place, including support from Enterprise Ireland’s Ready for Customs Grant scheme and Skillnet Ireland’s Clear Customs Training programme.

I am aware that the relevant agencies continue to work around the clock to ensure trade can flow to the greatest extent possible. Where difficulties have arisen for users in specific cases, the agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individual drivers – to get the issues resolved.

I am also aware that the agencies have engaged extensively with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and other logistics representative bodies and continue to do so. A stakeholders' forum for the Haulage and Logistics Sector, including the IRHA and FTAI, hosted by my Department, meets weekly and comprises representatives from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, and the HSE. In addition, the Departments and agencies engage with the IRHA and other representative bodies continuously on an ad hoc basis as issues arise. I also understand that the Revenue Commissioners held a technical workshop with the IRHA on Friday 15 January on the new Revenue systems.

My Department remains in regular contact with the haulage and logistics sector and also participates in Brexit retail and enterprise forums hosted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to monitor issues and developments in those sectors.