An outline for emergency legislation needed in the event of a no-deal Brexit will be published this week as the Government ramps up its contingency preparation.

The heads of the so-called ‘megabill’ covering 17 areas will be published this week with the full bill to be published next month.

Nine memos were brought to Cabinet yesterday as the meeting was dominated by no-deal planning in the event Britain crashes out of the EU in nine weeks time.

Legislation is needed in areas such as ensuring existing healthcare arrangements are maintained and to ensure students studying in the UK still have access to grant assistance. It is also needed in relation to cross-Border rail services, such as the Enterprise Service on the Dublin/Belfast line, and coach services.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan will introduce a number of sections in the bill to address issues including extradition, the immigration process and recognition of qualifications for solicitors when the UK leaves the EU.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe will bring forward legislation that will ensure continuity for businesses in relation to current access to taxation reliefs and allowances.

Changes are also needed in the area of social protection.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar briefed members of the Opposition on the latest no-deal preparations yesterday but faced calls from Fianna Fáil to publish the full bill, with only 26 sitting days before March 29.

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