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Varadkar on no-deal Brexit: "We are forewarned"

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Ireland has been "forewarned" over a no-deal Brexit in Britai...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

14.33 9 Oct 2019


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Varadkar on no-deal Brexit: &q...

Varadkar on no-deal Brexit: "We are forewarned"

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

14.33 9 Oct 2019


Share this article


The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Ireland has been "forewarned" over a no-deal Brexit in Britain.

He made the comments in a Budget 2020 speech in the Dáil on Wednesday.

He told deputies: "We are now 22 days away from the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, and everyone in the country knows the dangers and challenges we face.

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"We are forewarned - and our objective in Budget 2020 is to make sure we are forearmed."

"It is our economic strategy to channel our growth and prosperity to prepare for an uncertain future, while at the same time continuing to grow and prosper, albeit more cautiously."

"Budget 2020 is explicitly designed around the risk of a 'no-deal' Brexit, where we project 0.7% growth next year in contrast to 5.5% growth this year.

"That doesn't necessarily mean that we think a no-deal will happen. But as a Government, we believe it's the best thing to get ready for one.

"That way we won't need an emergency budget because this is the budget that will protect us from the worst of no deal."

The budget contains €1.2bn no deal package - which excludes any extra money Ireland could also seek from the EU.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he expects Ireland "would be in a position to significantly add to that fund" with EU support.

Some €355m is being spent on on-going Brexit preparedness, compliance and activation supports.

Of this, €185m will be used to make sure compliance conditions are met and trade disruption is minimised at ports and airports.

There is also a €650m fund for the agriculture, enterprise and tourism sectors - and to assist most affected workers and regions.

Some €220m of this will be immediately deployed in a no-deal scenario, with €110m for agriculture and fisheries and €110m for enterprise.

Mr Varadkar added: "This is not an austerity budget. We don't need to take that journey again. In fact, spending will rise by €3.3bn."

"With the real risk of a no-deal Brexit on the horizon, the Government's priority must be to shield the country from the worst of no deal. Budget 2020 seeks to do that."

Mr Varadkar will meet the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in England for private talks on Thursday to discuss Brexit.


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