Concerns of those living in the Border Region are increasing

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith says the government can no longer leave the public guessing as to what arrangements will be in place across the island of Ireland post Brexit.

Deputy Smith commented, “We are less than 100 days to the October 31st deadline when the UK will either crash out of the European Union or leave through the withdrawal agreement.

“Despite this there is shockingly little clarity as to what sorts of arrangements will be in place post Brexit. For those of us living in the border region, who cross the border daily, we are very concerned by the lack of clarity from government.

“We are now facing a hard Brexit. We could potentially lose 55,000 jobs in Ireland if a no deal Brexit happens.

“Telling the country there will not be a hard border or that contingency planning is underway is not good enough now. We need facts and details. How can any business operating in Ireland right now prepare for life post Brexit when the government cannot tell them what their own plans are?

“We all have every right to be worried about what will happen next – but equally we have an obligation to focus on those things which we know must be done. The time is over for press conferences and soundbites. We need the government to outline exactly their plans for a hard Brexit,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.