Brexit legislation timeline
Deputy Micheál Martin asked whether the Taoiseach’s talks with Theresa May would affect the promised Brexit-related legislation. The Taoiseach said the publication timeline still stood, and the exchange ended with brief clarification of the call’s timing and length.
In the context of the general scheme of the miscellaneous provisions (withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 29 March 2019) Bill 2019, I understand that the Taoiseach had a telephone conversation with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, yesterday in respect of the Brady amendment and the decision of the House of Commons to jettison the withdrawal agreement and to seek its amendment. Can the Taoiseach indicate if, during the course of that conversation, anything transpired which would impact on the passage of the miscellaneous provisions Bill through the Dáil? Is it still his intention that it will be published on 22 February? Is it clear - on the basis of his conversation with her - that the British Prime Minister is adamant that we are looking at a no-deal Brexit and hence the need for the legislation to be put through the House? It is only in the past two to three days that we have obtained more information about what a no-deal Brexit would involve. There was significant reticence in this regard in recent months but information is coming hot and heavy now from the Central Bank and the Department of Finance. We have also had the legislative proposal. The Taoiseach might indicate if there is a need to get this legislation through the Houses as quickly as possible in light of the current state of play.
