Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I regret that I have to leave the meeting soon but I look forward to reading the delegates' responses next week when the blacks of the proceedings of today's meeting are available. I welcome Baroness Quin, whom I met briefly prior to the meeting, and Mr. Halligan whom we all know by reputation and is held in great regard throughout the country. I also thank them both for their presentations.

Following on from Mr. Halligan's presentation, we share the view that it would be a big blow to Europe if the UK, which along with France and Germany is one of the three big players in Europe, were to leave the Union. It would be a blow to the entire European project which has at its core the ambition of achieving and maintaining peace and integration in Europe, improving prosperity and ensuring adequate food supply and so on. It would also be a pity if that happened, particularly in the context of Anglo-Irish relations. I am sure that Baroness Quin will be aware that Anglo-Irish relations, in the history of our two countries, have never been better. Anglo-Irish relations are now tremendously cordial. Rapport and kinship between the two countries is very strong, as are trading, commercial and tourism links and family ties. It would be a pity if, at a time when our relations are excellent, anything were to happen to separate us again, if not emotionally, then in practical terms. It would also not be helpful to the further cementing of good relations.

As a Border representative and Deputy for Cavan-Monaghan, I have a specific interest in the implications of the UK's withdrawal from the EU on the Border area. For example, would issues such as passport control and customs again become difficult? As a result of the current weak state of the euro, there are exciting opportunities for that region in terms of attracting business and customers from across the Border, including Internet business. Perhaps the delegates would give their assessment of the implications of a withdrawal by the UK from Europe on the Border counties, North and South, which areas have suffered hugely because of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and how far back it would set the clock? Currently the Border is not a commercial or economic reality. I am interested in hearing the delegates' views on how the withdrawal of the UK from Europe would apply practically.

We are all aware that negotiations on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, TTIP, which is the trade agreement between the USA and Canada and Europe, are sluggish and slow. Intelligence reports suggest achievement of agreement will be a long-term process. Given the delegates are expert in this area, in the unhappy event, in Ireland's case, of the UK leaving the EU, is it likely the UK will independently negotiate a trade agreement with the USA and Canada and, if so, what would be the implications of that for Ireland? I found interesting Mr. Halligan's thoughts on the measures he believed would alleviate the UK's difficulties. I had the privilege of studying history at school. I agree with Mr. Halligan that there are deep-seated cultural and historical reasons at the root of all of the UK's objections. I found his comments in that regard fascinating. It is not an issue that has up to now been raised with the committee. I agree with Mr. Halligan's remarks in that regard. I also found the seven pointers he referenced very interesting. As stated by other colleagues, it is important the negotiations continue in an effort to stave off the ultimate difficulty.

If Baroness Quin or Mr. Halligan can suggest ways we could practically assist without interfering or causing any damage, we would be delighted to do so. I again apologise for having to leave the meeting at this point.