Government accused of suppressing Brexit reports

Documents deal with likely sectoral impact of Brexit and implications for EU-UK trade

Niall Collins of Fianna Fáil said the Government’s unwillingness to publish reports into Brexit by some of its departments is unhelpful. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Niall Collins of Fianna Fáil said the Government’s unwillingness to publish reports into Brexit by some of its departments is unhelpful. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons

Fianna Fáil has accused the Government of deliberately suppressing two more reports on the economic impact of Brexit on Ireland.

The reports, commissioned by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Frances Fitzgerald, deal with the likely sectoral impact of Brexit and the strategic implications for EU-UK trade.

Ms Fitzgerald confirmed to Fianna Fáil's Niall Collins, by way of a parliamentary question, that she would not be publishing the reports.

Mr Collins said the Government’s continuing unwillingness to publish reports into Brexit by some of its departments is not only disappointing but also unhelpful.

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“In the public interest, to inform debate and for complete transparency for all business stakeholders, I am calling on the Tánaiste to immediately publish both of these reports when complete,” he said.

Mr Collins said the fact that these reports will cost the taxpayer €250,000 should spur on the Tánaiste to release them to ensure their full value.

“A hard Brexit is the biggest threat to Irish export jobs and growth since the foundation of the State,” he said, noting that some 91,000 firms and businesses here were likely to be affected by Britain’s departure.

“We need full disclosure on all business reports being commissioned by the Government to ensure that everyone can be as prepared as possible,” Mr Collins said,

Border report

The Government has already been heavily criticised for withholding a separate report by Revenue on the implications for the Border.

This report was said to have detailed the enormous physical and economic impact of Brexit on Ireland and on trade as well as the likely customs infrastructure that would be required to facilitate the UK exiting the customs union.

Separately, European businesses have joined calls for an urgent agreement on a period of transition after Britain leaves the EU to avoid a damaging “cliff edge” Brexit.

Fourteen trade and business bodies have signed up to a statement warning that failure to reach a deal would send “costly shock waves” through established trade flows and supply chains.

They urge British and EU negotiators to ensure a “seamless transition” after March 2019 that replicates the current commercial, regulatory and commercial environment.

Signatories include the European Shippers' Council, the Community of European Railways, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers and the World Shipping Council as well as the UK's Freight Transport Association.

While the statement acknowledged there were “significant questions” to be resolved between the two sides, it said decisions were needed urgently to enable businesses to invest and plan for the future.

– (Additional reporting: PA)

Eoin Burke-Kennedy

Eoin Burke-Kennedy

Eoin Burke-Kennedy is Economics Correspondent of The Irish Times