Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Power for his presentation which was clear and succinct. He is right in saying that given that the European Union will clearly adopt and negotiate a stance that will send out a significant signal to any other member state that might contemplate leaving the Union, the United Kingdom will be in for a rough ride. How does Mr. Power believe we can influence Mr. Barnier, all his colleagues and fellow negotiators to reach an accommodation with us on the issues that are important here, namely, the common travel area, the free movement of goods, services and people and employment relationships? As Deputy Jackie Cahill said, more than 1 billion litres of milk are purchased south of the Border, processed and sold as value-added products. How can we argue for our case when 26 other member states will be arguing the toss as well? We have a special relationship with the United Kingdom, but those member states will be watching their corner. Mr. Barnier will have to satisfy everybody.

What would the scenario be in Mr. Power's view if tariffs were imposed and if they were combined with a weak sterling currency? Would that not be a nightmare scenario? That would be the ultimate sinking feeling. Has he made any assessment of the impact of this on agriculture, especially on the beef sector? It will be the sector that will be extremely vulnerable on foot of Mercorsur, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, agreement, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, and other such agreements. I agree with Mr. Power that the United Kingdom certainly will not be found wanting in reaching out to trade deals that suit its market, given that it has imports of 10% Brazilian and South American beef, but those import levels were 18% or 19% only 11 years ago. Therefore, the United Kingdom already has a record and a history of dealing in that way; therefore, that could be significant. Mr. Power is right that we need to face up to this. If something more benign is achieved, that would be great, but it will certainly not be easy. Anyone here pontificating that this will be easy, given our special relationship with the United Kingdom, should realise that it will be a hard sell.