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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Hard Brexit border checks

Summary

Deputy Calleary pressed the Government on reported uncertainty about avoiding border controls in a hard Brexit. The Tánaiste said the Government was being open, had met stakeholders, and no magic solution existed, requiring further EU and possibly UK talks.

I wish Donal every success. It is unfortunate that a Kerryman has to retire on the weekend of a Mayo-Kerry match. We wish him health and happiness.

For some time my party leader has been trying to get information from the Taoiseach on checks in the event that there is a hard Brexit. The Taoiseach has consistently said there are discussions under way, but there are no notes, yet on page 6 of the Financial Times this morning, if the Tánaiste wants to read it, there is a detailed report in which Irish Government figures are quoted as conceding that there might not be any way to avoid controls. When will the Tánaiste be clear with the House? There will be a vote, possibly tomorrow, such that before this House meets again, there may or may not be some pathway to Brexit. When is the Government going to be clear and honest with the House on the scenario facing Irish business and the Irish people in the event that there is a hard Brexit?

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Simon Coveney The Tánaiste Fine Gael

The Government has been very clear and honest. We had a long stakeholders' meeting again yesterday at which all parties who wanted to be were present and we discussed the issue. The Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Brexit was there and understands the position clearly. There is no magic plan that will resolve the all-island economy issues in the context of a no-deal Brexit. It will require further conversations with the European Commission and may also involve conversations with the British Government if it looks like we are approaching a no-deal Brexit. I suggest the Deputy speak to his party's spokesperson on Brexit who is well briefed on the issue.

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