Government publishes Contingency Action Plan on No-Deal Brexit

The Government has published a Contingency Action Plan, setting out its approach to dealing with a no deal Brexit. This is the culmination of many months of work. This work continues both at a national and EU level and further information on no deal preparedness will follow in January and February.

The Government and the EU remain committed to securing a negotiated outcome. However, that has not yet been achieved and we are now less than 100 days away from the UK withdrawal from the EU. Contingency preparations for a “no deal” outcome must therefore be intensified as the risk of a disorderly Brexit increases, posing unique and unprecedented challenges.

On December 19, the European Commission published a Communication on Implementing its Contingency Action Plan, setting out measures, including legislative proposals, which it considers necessary to mitigate the most severe consequences of a “no deal” Brexit at EU level.

It is against this backdrop that the Government is presenting its assessment of the challenges and the measures considered essential to limit the damage of a “no deal” exit and to put in place measures to manage that exit as best as possible.

The Government’s overall objectives have been consistent from the start – seeking to minimise the impact on trade and the economy, protecting the peace process including avoiding a hard border, maintaining the Common Travel Area and reinforcing commitment to and participation in the EU. They continue to guide our approach, regardless of the type of Brexit we end up with.

Brexit Stakeholders Forum – December 2018

The final Brexit Stakeholders Forum of 2018 was held in Iveagh House, at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade this afternoon. This Forum has facilitated a regular and focused dialogue involving State Agencies, business and sectoral representative groups, political spokespersons and other relevant experts. Today’s meeting included important updates following yesterday’s publication of the Contingency Action Plan.

Taoiseach and Minister McEntee attend December European Council

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee were in Brussels last Thursday and Friday for a series of meetings of the European Council.

The Taoiseach joined the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May and 26 other EU leaders in ‘Article 50 format’, to discuss the future relationship between the EU and the UK, where discussions focused on the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration.

Earlier last week, the Taoiseach spoke with the President of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker by phone. Both agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement is a balanced compromise and the best outcome available. While they agreed to work to provide reassurance to the UK, the Agreement could not be reopened or contradicted.

In his statement to the Dáil following the European Council, the Taoiseach said:

I met bilaterally with Prime Minister May on Thursday morning, when she briefed me on recent political developments in the UK and on the state-of-play regarding ratification of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.

We discussed whether further clarification of the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement might be offered, though I stressed to her that the Agreement, including the backstop, could not be re-opened or negotiated.
As Deputies will be aware, the Withdrawal Agreement took over 20 months of negotiations to achieve, and it represents a finely balanced compromise among 28 countries.
There was a very strong consensus at our meeting that the Withdrawal Agreement – which we agreed on 25 November, and which was endorsed by the UK Government – cannot be substantively renegotiated.

We agreed that we will go ahead with our own ratification procedures, in which the European Parliament will have a central role.

Getting Ireland Brexit Ready: Limerick & Donegal

Latest Getting Ireland Brexit Ready workshops held in Limerick and Donegal

Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Simon Coveney, T.D. hosted the fifth and sixth Getting Ireland Brexit Ready workshops on November 23rd at Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick, and November 30th at Letterkenny IT, Donegal

Following previous events held in Cork, Galway, Monaghan, and Dublin these workshops brought together a dozen State Agencies and Departments under one roof to inform and advise citizens and businesses about Brexit preparedness and the range of support measures and resources that the Government has put in place to help address the challenges involved. The workshops also heard from businesses who shared their stories about how their organisations have already taken steps to ensure that they are Brexit ready.

“Donegal is intrinsically linked with the cross border community. And that’s what we’re protecting here. The border issue goes well beyond just trade.”

Tánaiste Simon Coveney highlighting the importance of key longstanding relationships built across the island of Ireland, at the GIBR roadshow in Letterkenny, alongside Minister Joe McHugh, and Máiread McGuinness MEP.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney speaking with State Agency Brexit support teams at Thomond Park, Limerick, about helping businesses take the important steps to get Brexit Ready.

Getting Ireland Brexit Ready: Podcast Series

On March 29 2019, the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union. As such, it is important that businesses plan and prepare for Brexit and the change it will bring.

So what can Irish companies do right now to prepare for Brexit?

We have put together a 5 part Podcast Series where we speak to Industry, Government and State Agencies about Getting Ireland Brexit Ready.

Click the image below for more:

How to get #BrexitReady

Check out the different Government Business Supports below:
• Government Brexit Loan Scheme
• Bord Bia Brexit Barometer
• Enterprise Ireland Prepare for Brexit Campaign
• InterTrade Ireland Brexit Advisory Service

www.dfa.ie/brexit

Check out the Government’s dedicated Brexit website which provides you with a resource to learn about the work the Government is undertaking to protect your interests in the Brexit negotiations, and the steps being taken to get Ireland Brexit Ready.

On the site, you can:
– find out more about the Government’s most recent engagements, outreach events, and ongoing consultation work on Brexit.
– find information about the resources and financial supports available from all Government Departments and Agencies to help businesses to prepare for Brexit.
– learn about what Brexit means for you as the negotiations continue, the things that will change and the many things that will stay the same.
– access comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions sections, and read Key Documents published by the Government outlining our negotiation strategy and preparations for the potential impacts of Brexit.

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