Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. They were very informative. Like my colleagues, I was amazed to discover that more than 50% of trade through UK ports involves the Republic. It just shows the consequences of a lack of restrictions on free movement of goods and people. I may be wrong about this but I think the British Government is in denial of the position in which we find ourselves. Despite huge co-operation over the past 20 years, issues such as the levies on HGVs and tyres remain, and this is without the UK having left the EU. One or two other such issues were mentioned. I see hundreds of them, and we may not have the mechanisms to be able to solve them. Long before I got involved in politics, I was once told by a barrister to fight but never to ask what the fight is about. Certain people will fail to do anything about these issues, which is a huge difficulty.

My grandfather comes from Cullyhanna, and I think most of our family lived in Newry and the surrounding area, so I am very familiar with that general area. I am familiar with it also because I was elected twice by the people of Roscommon-South Leitrim, particularly those in the Enniskillen end of the constituency.

Like my colleagues I consider this to be a huge issue but nobody seems to know what to do about it.

My colleagues also alluded to this point. I welcome the fact that last Monday the European Union committee in the House of Lords issued a report on Brexit concerning UK-Irish relations and containing up to 80 pages. It was very informative, measured and helpful. I will highlight one or two points from it. The report said the implications of Brexit for Ireland are more profound than for any other member state. The report also said the House of Lords welcomed the Irish Government’s strenuous efforts to ensure our EU colleagues are informed about the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the particular challenges of Brexit. The report went on to say that the primary responsibility for drawing attention to and finding a solution to those issues lies with the UK Government. The report further stated Ireland now faces challenges that are not of its own making and closer UK-Irish relations and stability in Northern Ireland must not be allowed to become collateral damage from Brexit. That is, in effect, saying what I said, namely, that they see that Brexit could be used for, let us say, a lot of mischief making.

On page 85 the report said that despite ministerial recognition of the substantial implications Brexit could have for cross-Border economic activity on the island of Ireland, there is still significant uncertainty over how the UK plans to mitigate these effects and over the priority they will receive in withdrawal negotiations. Finally, on page 86 the report states that it is extremely important for both Northern Ireland and the Republic that an agreement is reached which takes into account the all-Ireland nature of their economies. It is in the interests of the Irish economies, North and South, that the current movement of people, goods and services within the island of Ireland is maintained.

We are hopeful, but the statements I have read are from the House of Lords and the report is not very encouraging. Two issues arise. The first is somewhat of a curve ball. How do the witnesses honestly think we can deal with a hard Brexit? Are there modern security systems that will work or is it just talk and a case of kicking the can down the road? I do not know whether my second point has been mentioned because I was in and out of meetings. The Narrow Water bridge project is an iconic one from North to South and it was shelved three years ago because of cost overruns. The EU was involved. I do not wish to cause mischief but a bridge is now being talked about in terms of a southern bypass in Newry. Could the witnesses see the two projects going ahead? We would all love to see that. What are the views of witnesses in this regard? I am sorry for throwing the curve ball to them but I would welcome their views.