DUBLIN: The Cabinet thoroughly reviewed the country’s Brexit preparations in the wake of the no-deal scenario. The Cabinet planned and analysed the action plans to be adopted with or without a trade agreement with the EU and the UK.
There is complete uncertainty as to whether or not an agreement on post-Brexit trade can be reached. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s strategy is to put pressure on the EU as a whole. His strategy is to show hope in reaching an agreement and to remain firm in his stance. At the same time, European countries, including Ireland, are moving forward to deal with either deal or no deal.
In the event of a no-deal, all paperwork for the continuation of the business is underway. Traders, including importers and exporters, are in the process of setting up the required registrations and other certificates.
The COVID-19 vaccines are not delivered to Ireland through the UK land-bridge to ensure delivery; instead it is via EU ports. A comprehensive plan has been drawn up to avoid traffic jams and delays in the Dublin port area.
In the past month, there has been a huge increase in the number of Irish businesses signing up for the certification required to do business with the UK after Brexit. The latest data indicates that 97% of exporters and 94% of importers have acquired Economic Operators Registration and Identification number.
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath said he is still hopeful a post-Brexit trade deal can be reached. He thinks that it is a positive that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mr. Johnson are to meet later this week. Ireland wants to impose tariffs of up to €1.7 billion on exports to the UK, 90% of which will come from the agri-food sector, Mr. McGrath said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said he wanted to make sure he was fully prepared to face any situation related to Brexit. At the same time, Sandro Gozi, a French MEP and member of President Emmanuel Macron’s La Republique En Marche party, said it is better to postpone the Brexit deal than to have a bad deal.
Mr. Gozi said that fisheries is not only a French problem and there had not been enough progress on the issue.