Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand that, Chairman.

I understand what the Minister is saying, which is that because it would be difficult to achieve, we are not going to try. The largest number of EU citizens who will be outside the European Union will reside in the Six Counties, in the North of Ireland, post Brexit. It is totally unique. The EU will understand that it is unique. There are difficulties with Spain and other countries. Are we watching what will happen with Gibraltar, Catalonia, etc.?

I believe the special status idea should be put to the EU and discussed. If it wants to reject it, it can reject it. The British are saying they will not have it; that is fine. In the main the people in the North want it and, as the Minister knows, 56% voted to remain. The largest proportion of EU citizens living outside the EU post Brexit will be in the North of Ireland. Such a special and unique case deserves special status. I understand negotiations have not started. We will come back to it.