The Government has published a document giving advice on what steps businesses and individuals need to take to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period at the end of this year.

The Brexit Readiness Action Plan outlines the changes that will occur in less than four months’ time, regardless of the outcome of continuing negotiations with the EU and Britain.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that, from January, Britain would be outside the EU’s single market and customs union. The Government says this will have significant implications for every business that moves goods to, from, or through Britain.

Two new schemes

As a result, the Government is introducing two new schemes to help businesses deal with customs challenges.

There will be a grant of up to €9,000 per employee taken on or redeployed to enable businesses to build their capacity to manage any customs changes.

There will also be free online customs training, provided by Skillnet Ireland, through a scheme called Clear Customs Online 2020.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said that practical training was also available, through Enterprise Ireland’s online Customs Insights course and through Local Enterprise Offices, which are providing one-to-one Brexit mentoring.

Transport concerns

The plan published today (9 September) covers a range of areas, including the trade in goods and services, customs processes, import duties, EU single-market accreditations, use of Britain’s land bridge, retail trade (including online retail with the UK), the transfer of data, the movement of pets, recognition of qualifications, and other issues that will arise at the end of the transition period.

Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport Eamon Ryan said that transport connectivity to Britain and Ireland’s EU trading partners had been one of the Government’s key concerns, and Brexit would bring change, regardless of whether an agreement was reached or not.

The Government says the 2020 Brexit Omnibus Bill, which addresses a wide range of issues that will arise at the end of the transition period, will be brought before the Oireachtas in the autumn.