Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. Education is another factor in terms of movement. Perhaps they would comment briefly on that. All the presentations we have received re-affirm our incredulity at what has happened in Britain. It is not that we do not respect their right to vote, but it is the lack of exploration, discussion and investigation of what Brexit would mean apart from it being focused on just migration and what Britain would save. We are seeing so much more emerging now on the massive implications. What comes across to me is our over-dependence on Britain and the opportunities to go beyond that. From my involvement with this committee and the Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa, AWEPA, I am aware of the extensive number of countries in Africa and the Americas who wish to trade with us. They trust us and they trust that it will be an ethical trade, with respect for human rights. Perhaps the witnesses would address that.

There is no doubt that there was a gamble with Northern Ireland. One of the other interesting presentations we received was on the implications for reconciliation, culture and identity, not just the economic implications. I put that to the witnesses.

We see a rise in nationalism in Europe. I do not call it "nationalism". It is not my view of nationalism. It is some type of ultra right wing horrible "ism". What type of reform does the EU have to engage in to stem and cope with that?

Britain, while part of the EU, is a major seller of arms, fuelling conflict. Fuelling conflict fuels poverty and all the other abuses of human rights. Now that it is out of the EU, where there might have been some type of control over it although it was not much, where do the witnesses see that going? There will also be massive shortfalls as Britain is a major overseas development aid contributor. What do the witnesses envisage happening in that regard?

My final point is a general one and is a little away from Brexit. It is the increasing securitisation narrative from the EU, as opposed to the humanitarian one.