15/01/2019

Cabinet Preparing For No-Deal Brexit

The Cabinet is set to meet today to discuss a fallback plan to be activated in the eventuality of a no-deal Brexit.

The Government said it is planning for all outcomes, as MP's in Westminster prepare to vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement.

As the Dáil returns to session from Christmas, Brexit planning is also set to be raised there.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his ministers will address the supply of medicines, transport, a common travel area and the major legislation that will encompass all the changes that a hard Brexit would initiate.

Ireland will be left in the direct firing line if the EU divorce takes place without a deal, and the risk of such an outcome is expected to increase dramatically if Mrs May's deal is rejected in the House of Commons.

Speaking at the Fine Gael's Parliamentary meeting ahead of the new term on Monday 14 January, Mr Varadkar said the Government is doing all it can to protect the nation against the fallout.

Despite this, when asked specifically about Dublin and Rosslare ports, both of which were previously highlighted as being ill-equipped to cope with the onslaught of a no-deal Brexit, Mr Varadkar admitted: "The ports will be Brexit ready as will Dublin Airport, but I shouldn't pretend to anyone there can be any country fully prepared for Brexit, there is no good Brexit... We will be prepared, but I'm not going to pretend everything will be fine."



(JG/CM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 April 2017
'Brexit SME Scorecard' Aims To Let Companies Self-Assess Their Risk
Enterprise Ireland has launched the 'Brexit SME Scorecard', a new interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars.
21 August 2019
Exporting Businesses Encouraged To Answer '12 Brexit Essential' Questions
Ireland's exporting businesses are being encouraged to answer Enterprise Ireland's 12 'Brexit Essential' questions, which aims to further prepare and take action ahead of the UK's impending withdrawal from the EU.
05 September 2019
Getting Your Business Brexit Ready
The government has launched a new campaign to highlight practical steps Irish businesses must take to prepare for the UK's departure from the EU.
02 October 2019
More Supports Needed For Women Who Breastfeed
Labour have called for more supports for women who breastfeed. Labour Senator Kevin Humphreys raised the issue in the Seanad as the HSE launches National Breastfeeding Week.
19 August 2019
Labour: Leaked Report Confirms Worst Brexit Fears
The Labour Party has branded the leaked 'Operation Yellowhammer' report by the UK Government as confirmation of many people's worst Brexit fears. The leaked Cabinet Office document, published by the Sunday Times, suggested a no-deal Brexit could mean a hard-border, massive trade disruption, road blocks and political unrest in Northern Ireland.