Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Bruton for appearing before this committee and sharing his insights, not only on domestic matters but also on matters related to the EU and further afield. I particularly welcome his insights on competitiveness, which is one of the areas over which we have some control. There is much we can do to limit the effects of Brexit, which will grow and worsen over time. Brexit is an issue that only gets worse because the more one learns about it, the more one realises how difficult it is for us to address.

My colleague, Senator Noone, has spoken about the issue of a united Ireland and the Taoiseach has said that the EU needs to prepare for a united Ireland. What does Mr. Bruton think we should seek to have included in the final agreement between the EU and UK on the issue of Northern Ireland? Do we require a protocol to be inserted to the effect that if the people of Northern Ireland vote for a united Ireland, that would become automatic? Is it Mr. Bruton's view that it would be like the precedent set by East and West Germany? What does he believe we should do now to prepare for the issue in terms of a referendum on the question of unification?