Continued Brexit preparation key to this week’s Budget – Richmond

While the response to the ongoing Covid19 pandemic will be the main focus of this week’s Budget, Brexit planning must also feature heavily, Fine Gael TD and party spokesperson on Europe, Neale Richmond has said.

Deputy Richmond said: “With less than 90 days to go until the end of the Brexit transition period, substantial changes are on the horizon for Irish people and businesses.

“These changes will be exacerbated by the ongoing impact of Covid19 and whether a Brexit deal can be secured in the coming weeks.

“Although the response to the ongoing Covid19 pandemic will be the key focus of this week’s Budget, Brexit planning must once again feature heavily, building on the huge work already carried out.

“The Government has been working steadily, both independently and with the EU to prepare as best possible for these changes.

“This September the Government published the Brexit Readiness Action Plan which outlined what steps businesses must take to prepare themselves for Brexit building on the 102 Brexit readiness notices published by the European Commission.

“As the Member State most exposed to the adverse effects of Brexit, Ireland must have top access to the €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund, a proposal on these funds is expected in November.

“It is also vital the Government also continues to push EU colleagues to ensure Brexit is taken into account when allocating resources from the European Recovery Fund set up in response to Covid19.

“So far we have seen many Brexit supports from the Government, including a €20 million ‘Ready for Customs’ package, a €2 billion Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Brexit Loan Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.

“Last Thursday, the Tánaiste wrote to all 250,000 registered businesses in the State with a check list to help them prepare for Brexit and this week’s budget must continue to build on the exhaustive work already commenced to help prepare Ireland as best possible for the impact of Brexit.

“Continued supports to promote market diversity, to address supply chain concerns and to underwrite key sectors will be needed.

“Ireland and the EU have worked closely throughout the Brexit process, and this shows no sign of stopping. This cooperation will give Irish businesses the best chance to survive post-Brexit.”

ENDS