John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A very direct impact after Brexit takes place arguably is that we in Ireland will become the most peripheral state in the EU. The island states in the Mediterranean are much closer to other member states. Our road infrastructure is very much focused on transporting products through the UK, whether it is from Rosslare or Dublin Port. Should we look at more regional interconnectivity, to use an awful modern type of word? I remember just before the crash, and maybe it was a pipe dream, that there was talk of ferries between Cork and the north of Spain. Given where I live, I often take the ferry between Rosslare and France. Do we need to state our case more strongly to our colleagues in the European Union that, in light of our peripheral nature once Brexit happens, there ought to be very specific exemptions for Ireland on things like the fiscal rules because we are going to be at such a disadvantage because of our location?

Does Professor Clinch have any views on those kinds of issues and their impacts on the economy? That is just another simple question.