Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

92. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the provisions put in place in the context of Brexit continue to effectively cater for the situation arising in the aftermath of the departure of the UK from the EU; if specific or unforeseen issues that have arisen are being or can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3972/21]

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

The Government dedicated substantial time and resources into preparing for Brexit since 2016. This intensive effort across departments and agencies included the development of two Brexit Omnibus Acts; three Brexit Action Plans; substantial investment in the State’s infrastructure and IT systems (including provision for 1,500 additional staff to support new checks and controls); and the provision of financial, upskilling and advisory supports for impacted sectors and businesses. Throughout the Brexit process, our readiness work was always underpinned by a strong communications and outreach programme.

Nineteen weeks since the end of the transition period, businesses are adapting to the permanent changes arising from Brexit, including increased checks and controls on goods coming from Great Britain. Even with these checks in place, over 80% of goods are routinely ‘green routed’ to directly leave our ports on arrival. It should be noted that as the UK is now a 3rd country, customs and SPS formalities are now an integral part of trade with Great Britain. In practical terms, this means there will never be a scenario where 100% of goods arriving into Ireland from Great Britain will be able to move as seamlessly as they did when the UK was an EU Member.

A range of Government financial, advisory and upskilling supports are available, including training and grants, to assist businesses in dealing with these changes. Further information on these supports is set out at Gov.ie/Brexit.

Public communications and stakeholder engagement continue to be key elements of our Brexit response. We have invested in a comprehensive information campaign across all media platforms, targeted at the relevant sectors. In addition, Government Departments, including my own, continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders. For my part, I will convene a further meeting of the Brexit Stakeholder Forum in the coming weeks.

Given the expected impact on our fisheries sector, the Government has been engaging with EU partners, with the fisheries sector and coastal communities regarding possible mitigation measures.

A further wave of Brexit related change will arise later this year when the introduction of the postponed UK import controls will present a significant challenge for exporters and the State. Estimates indicate that the number of Export Health Certificates required will rise from 20,000 in 2020 to 192,000 for trade with GB and 42,000 for goods transiting the UK landbridge. Preparations for these changes are underway in the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the HSE and local authorities, including reviews of systems and the recruitment and training of new staff. Substantial stakeholder engagement is continuing as is planning for an information campaign ahead of the changes.

We and our EU partners also continue to engage with stakeholders on the island of Ireland, including in relation to the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. An integral part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, it is the agreed way to protect the Good Friday Agreement, to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, and to protect the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it.