Leo Varadkar has warned that “everything might be alright on the night” with Brexit, but that we can’t be complacent.
Mr Varadkar said that key staff are now in place in Customs and Revenue to handle a possible no-deal Brexit or border complications.
And he said that a new advertising campaign reminding people of the challenges of Brexit will be launched shortly.
The Taoiseach was speaking in the Dáil after Brexit was once again top of the agenda at this week’s Cabinet meeting.
Brexit had slipped off the radar in recent months, but with British Prime Minister, Theresa May, coming under renewed pressure to play her hand, it has brought the political crisis into focus here again too.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, earlier cautioned ministers at the weekly government meeting that the dangers of a disastrous no-deal Brexit are more likely now than ever before.
And speaking in the Dáil shortly afterwards, Mr Varadkar pressed this home.
He was speaking in response to Fianna Fáil finance spokesman, Michael McGrath, who said he is worried that we could go “back into recession” if we don’t stay on top of Brexit.
He said “we need to intensify our preparations our efforts” in providing extra supports.”
The Taoiseach said in response: “We had a detailed discussion at Cabinet today on foot of a memo brought by the Tánaiste on no-deal Brexit planning.
“We reviewed some of the areas where a lot of progress has been made.
“Legislation was passed by this House and we are now beginning to look at some areas which may require secondary legislation and where some more work needs to be done.
