Security in Ireland would be “seriously impacted” by a no deal Brexit due to sudden and drastic changes to the country’s arrangements with the UK over crime Dublin has warned.
The revelation was published in a 131-page contingency action plan document published the evening of December 19 — it stated existing co-operation with British police would be compromised if the UK lost access to European databases involving DNA, fingerprints, vehicles, criminal records and airline passengers.
Ireland would also be affected by “exceptional swings” in the value of the pound, which would have potentially dire consequences for trade. Ireland is likely to “suffer considerably” from the “adverse economic and social impact” a no-deal Brexit would have on the UK. Irish deputy prime minister, Simon Coveney, said the report made for “stark reading”, and the contingency plan wouldn’t “maintain the status quo” but was a “damage limitation exercise”.