The Garda Commissioner has dismissed reports that 600 gardaí are to be taken off the beat to police the border in the event of a hard Brexit.
Drew Harris says it’s ‘entirely incorrect’, and says he has not discussed the matter or considered the proposal.
Meanwhile, the EU has reiterated its support of Ireland in a no-deal scenario, as Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:
With the ongoing Brexit endgame sharpening minds, and bringing more of a focus onto the border, the issue is continuing to be closely scrutinised today.
However, the Garda Commissioner has dismissed reports in one newspaper this morning, claiming that 600 Gardaí would need to be taken off their day-to-day duties to police the border.
Drew Harris says the claims are ‘entirely incorrect’, and that he has not discussed the matter or considered the proposal.
It comes as the Oireachtas Finance Committee is examing what can happen if there is a no-deal scenario.
Head of the Revenue Commissioners Niall Cody says an online process is the aim, rather than reopening customs posts, to keep things as seamless as possible.
In Brussels today, the EU’s Chief Brexit Negotiator has insisted that the EU would be prepared to rework the content of the political declaration if the UK shifts its red lines.
Michel Barnier has also reiterated Europe’s support of Ireland in the event of a no-deal.
But here in Clare a government TD says it’s now time for Britain to seek an extension to Article 50, to allow for more time to iron out the details of Brexit.
Joe Carey isn’t convinced they can do it on time, given what’s emerged to date.
However, a Newmarket-on-Fergus politics lecturer says more assurances will be needed from Westminster before any extension is granted.
Donnacha Ó Beacháin is an associate professior of politics in Dublin City University and says it won’t be as simple as some in the House of Commons seem to think.
