Chambers Ireland today (20 March 2018) says the Brexit transition deal represents important progress but points to last week’s survey of the Irish Chamber Network which revealed that over three quarters of Chambers believe a transition period should last longer than two years.
Speaking after the announcement of the transition deal, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said,
“We welcome the progress made in the negotiations and note that a 21 month transition period to 31 December 2020 has been agreed. However in a recent survey of our members, over three quarters of responding Chambers said that a transition period of more than two years will be required in order for business to adequately prepare and adjust to any form of new trading relationship with the UK. Therefore we urge the inclusion of a process within the Withdrawal Agreement to facilitate extension of this somewhat arbitrary deadline, should it be required.
This transition deal may provide some reassurance to businesses but the need for talks to continue with a sense of urgency and realism to provide full clarity is essential.”