Travellers going from here to the UK will be able to avail of duty-free shopping if Britain leaves the EU without a deal, it was revealed today.
This means that passengers going through UK airports and ports will able to buy alcohol, cigarettes and perfumes at hugely reduced prices as they will be free from tax.
The Finance Minister confirmed this would be the case after the British Government revealed it intends to reintroduce duty-free shopping for passengers travelling to EU countries if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on October 31.
Paschal Donohoe said that excise and VAT free sales on purchases of tobacco and alcohol made at duty-free shops - subject to some purchase limits - would operate in the event of a hard Brexit.
He added: "The effect of the announcement by the UK government today on the return of duty-free shopping between the UK and EU Member States means that Ireland in respecting our international obligations will, as intended, reciprocate the UK government's decision and facilitate duty-free purchases for passengers travelling from Ireland to UK ports and airports."
If there is a hard Brexit the UK will assume the status of a "third country" in terms of their trading relationship with the European Union.
But the British Government said the duty free status will not apply to people travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic as duty free shopping only applies to airports and ports.
