As I said earlier, we have seen reports that the Tánaiste has advised the Cabinet that the risk of a no-deal Brexit has never been greater in the past two and a half years.

The latest OECD report states the impact on the Irish economy of a disorderly Brexit, if all this goes wrong, could be very grave and that we could go back into recession. Could the Taoiseach advise us whether the Cabinet made any decision today on Brexit to intensify our preparations and efforts through extra supports for companies, customs registration and the hiring of additional officials? Did the Government make any decision in light of its assessment that the risk of a no-deal Brexit has never been greater?

The Cabinet had a detailed discussion today on foot of a memorandum brought by the Tánaiste on planning for no Brexit deal. I reviewed some of the areas where much progress has been made. The legislation was passed by this House. We now need to put secondary legislation in place in some areas. More work needs to be done on the European health insurance card and Erasmus. We noted that the staff are now in place for customs, the Revenue Commissioners and other areas where they are needed. We are going to resume information campaigns, particularly informing businesses of the actions they need to take and the supports that are now available but which have not been fully availed of.

Many businesses are prepared. They have got their EORI numbers and have done their Brexit health checks. There are others that are perhaps still taking the view that it will be all right on the night. It may well be all right on the night but we cannot assume that. We will ask businesses, in particular, to step up their planning and avail of the information, supports, advice and funding already available.