FF Slam 'Disastrous' Post-Brexit Tariff Plans

A Fianna Fáil TD has slammed the new arrangements for tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit as being "absolutely disastrous" for the Agri-Food Sector.

Charlie McConalogue said he hopes the strategy is merely a provocative attempt to persuade MPs to vote against a no deal, a Parliamentary decision that will take place later today.

He commented: "The EU will obviously have to respond to the plans to allow goods to travel freely between the Republic and Northern Ireland in the short term and the Irish government will have to elaborate on their own plans to respond to this plan. The uncertainty is causing massive anxiety with businesses both North and South and will cost jobs soon if not sorted out. 

"The Taoiseach stated last week that Ireland is the most prepared country in Europe when it comes to Brexit. He also promised to give us the latest figures for the levels of preparedness amongst business which go beyond the number of inquiries made.

"The government needs to publish these figures and needs to outline immediately the full details on levels of preparedness. We were previously told that the government has studied in detail the implications of different scenarios.  The government should, without delay, publish the likely impact of these new tariffs and put a plan in place to respond."



(JG/MH)