On 22 February 2019, the Government published the ‘Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019’ (the “Bill”).

The Bill is drafted along similar lines to the general scheme for the legislation that was published in January, which we previously reported on here.

The purpose of the Bill is to prepare Ireland for a no deal withdrawal by the UK, by legislating across a number of sectors, with the overall aim of supporting the economy, enterprise and jobs. The draft legislation complements EU action that will be taken in the event of a disorderly Brexit.

The Bill has already started its progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas, with the Government hoping that it will pass all stages by Friday 15 March 2019. Given the importance, breadth and scope of the Bill, the Government has said that it will work closely with all members of the Oireachtas to ensure it passes through the Dáil and the Seanad in a timely fashion.