Half of all Irish businesses are not planning for Brexit with just under 80 days to go until the UK's likely crash exit from the EU.
Shocking new statistics from Fianna Fail's Lisa Chambers reveals a chronically low level of preparedness among industry here.
This is extremely worrying as there is only a month and a half to go to the October 31 deadline.
Ms Chambers blames the Government and is calling on them to up their game and spread the word more effectively.
As things stand, we are set to face a devastating no-deal crash Brexit at Halloween, as the new UK Government under Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement.
Our Government has been warning businesses for months to get Brexit ready, with things like nationwide roadshows and helplines operating for months.
But despite all of this and a huge barrage of reports highlighting the looming crisis in the media, there is still an alarming number not taking the threat seriously enough to prepare for the worst.
Ms Chambers was given the latest statistics after submitting a Parliamentary Question (PQ) to the Government.
She believes that the evidence shows that the Government is failing to communicate the very important messages and warnings to the widest possible audience.
She told the Irish Mirror: “The findings of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation most recent research reveals that that 50% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have not actively planned for Brexit.
“Given that we are just weeks away from a potentially catastrophic no deal Brexit these figures are extremely worrying.
“Report after report has stressed the impact that a hard or no deal Brexit will have on Ireland and it is concerning that despite all of the warnings 50% of SMEs have not taken steps to prepare.
“In my view the findings from the Department’s latest research underscores that the Government is failing to communicate effectively with businesses and SMEs about what they need to do to prepare for Brexit."
She added: “I am therefore calling for a step change in the Government’s engagement with businesses and SMEs.
“There needs to be a concerted effort to reach those SMEs who are not actively preparing for Brexit and support given to those who are struggling to put mitigation plans in pace.
“Whilst no one wants to see a no deal Brexit, it is increasingly looking like the most likely outcome.
“Therefore, the next few weeks are crucial, and I sincerely hope there will be a marked change in the Government’s efforts to increase the number of SMEs with a Brexit plan in place.”
