EFFORTS to avoid problems at the border after a no-deal Brexit will involve authorities "turning a blind eye" in some areas of trade, it has been claimed.
Talks have been continuing between the Irish government and the European Union on contingency plans to protect the integrity of the EU single market and customs union.
According to the Irish Independent, officials have accepted it may not be possible to police all areas of the economy – particularly in the immediate aftermath of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
It reported that a senior European Commission figure has privately acknowledged in discussions with companies that authorities may need to "turn a blind eye" with some sectors in the weeks after a hard Brexit.
An Irish government source also suggested to the newspaper that officials in Dublin and Brussels would take a pragmatic approach to the border.
"It suits everyone to say there will be chaos on November 1 after Brexit," the source said. "Nothing will happen straight away."
Another government source said the UK "aren't going to diverge on day one" and there will be "some period of grace there just in terms of the practicalities of it".
The Irish government cabinet is expected to meet tomorrow.
Amid a growing expectation of a no-deal Brexit, Dublin ministers have come under growing pressure to outline their plans.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said: "The time for pontification is over. Real practical steps have to be taken now."
