Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has called on the Transport Minister to clarify reports that Irish motorists will need an insurance ‘green card’ to travel to Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) claims the green card system may be necessary if no Brexit deal is reached.

Deputy Brendan Smith said, “The plan being put forward by MIBI suggests that any motorists traveling across the border may have to give notice of their travel plans to their insurer and may need to be issued with a green card if there is a no-deal Brexit.

“This effectively means that people will have to contact their insurers to let them know when they are travelling across the border, and give themselves enough time to secure a green card.  This process could take weeks.  For people living along the border, not only is that ridiculous, it is also untenable.

“There are thousands of people who cross the border every day for work, school, college, medical appointments and to simply visit family or friends and it is not feasible for people to have to apply for a green card for journeys that they are undertaking on a regular basis.

“Minister Ross needs to urgently clarify whether he intends on bringing forward such a scheme.  His understanding of Brexit was exposed earlier this week when the Tánaiste had to correct him on the issue of a hard border.  This lack of knowledge will not be tolerated by the people living along the border who stand to be most affected by a no deal scenario.  The Minister needs to outline what measures will be put in place to ensure that travel across the border will be as seamless as possible”, concluded Deputy Smith.