– Figures revealed to Fianna Fáil show over 65,400 UK trading businesses do not have EORI number
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has said that there are serious gaps in preparations for Brexit, particularly in terms of the number of businesses registered for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
It has emerged 65,400 businesses have not registered with Revenue for an EORI. An EORI number is the minimum requirement for businesses that wish to trade with, or through, the UK following their departure from the EU.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “The fact that 65,400 businesses that trade with the UK have not registered for an EORI number is very concerning. For those of us in the Border Region, who trade with UK based businesses almost every day, it is most concerning.
“It is evident that the Government’s strategy in terms of encouraging and supporting businesses to prepare for Brexit is falling considerably short of what is required.
“The Summer Economic Statement underscores that if a no deal Brexit comes to pass it will have very serious repercussions for Ireland with the potential for thousands of job losses. Combined with the threat of a new British Prime Minister who appears happy to see the UK crash out on Oct 31st, it would be reckless to not ram up preparations.
“It is essential Government redouble their efforts to ensure that businesses are adequately prepared for one of the gravest threats that this State and the Border Region has ever faced,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.