Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their stimulating and comprehensive presentations that complemented each other on the law and politics around Brexit. The witnesses are before the committee on an auspicious day, given that Michel Barnier will be in the Dáil in the next hour. Professor Murphy described himself as ardently pro-European. It is not a phrase one hears often but I would probably now describe myself in the same way, despite having been very critical over the years of many aspects of the EU. However, the Brexit vote has brought out, perhaps by way of contrast, the need to assert European values and so forth as a positive.

To confine myself to questions, I wish to tease out three points. I thank Professor Barrett for being helpful and clear in setting out the four levels of Brexit that are possible. As he said, the optimal one for Ireland is that Britain remains in the Single Market, but he envisages that as unlikely. How likely is it that we will have the next level, that Britain remains in the customs union? That has better outcomes for agrifood businesses in Ireland and for the Border, the Good Friday Agreement and so forth. Is that likely? How can Ireland try to promote that outcome? Are there ways of doing so?

Both witnesses referred to UK-Ireland bilateral negotiations and relations. The other EU member states appear to be opposed to that but we must assert ourselves. For example, Irish citizens have rights to vote in British general elections if they are resident there, while other EU citizens do not. We already have many demarcations due to our historical relationship. Can we strengthen those? In particular, is there a way to strengthen that negotiating position because of the issue Professor Barrett raised, which is the many people in Northern Ireland who currently are not Irish citizens and who may now take Irish citizenship? They will then be EU citizens but resident in a non-EU state. The first priority of the EU Council negotiating guidelines is to protect those EU citizens, but perhaps we do not think of Northern Irish people in those terms. It is an interesting point.

On reform, Deputy O'Brien referred to the multi-speed Europe. Professor Murphy says that is not something in Ireland's interest. How likely is it and how can we take a stance against it?

Finally, there are the rights of Irish citizens resident in Britain. There will be a difference between the rights of those who are currently resident there and of those who move there after withdrawal. What is the best way to protect their interests and particularly the interests of those who may wish to move there in the future? Again, I thank the witnesses.