Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both of the witnesses for their interesting contributions.

I have a real problem as to whether it is wise for us to hang around waiting for the European Union, as a body, to negotiate an agreement with Britain. Ireland has a unique situation that, in my opinion, deserves special attention. We have a better chance of getting a satisfactory agreement by getting the support of the EU at this stage to commence and secure an agreement directly with the British for the Republic of Ireland.

Whether we like it or not, anybody who has dealt with the Unionist community in the North will understand these people, as I do from my dealings with them when we set up the North/South Inter-Parliamentary Association. It is very difficult for us to understand their fear. There has been no indication, in my opinion, that the community will willingly tend towards the South of Ireland. In fact, their position might harden, and I think there is every likelihood of them doing so for religious reasons as well as everything else. One must be practical about these things. I would like to hear the opinion of the witnesses on the following. Should we seek support from our fellow members of the European Union to negotiate a separate arrangement for Ireland with Britain? I do not believe we should hang around waiting for it to be part and parcel of the overall negotiations because it will get lost. Those of us who have had the experience of dealing with countries in the eastern part of the European Union will know that they know very little about the Republic of Ireland and its problems. Our problems are very serious to us but they will get lost in the overall negotiations. Rather than make a speech, I would like to hear the opinion of the witnesses on this matter. Am I thinking along the wrong lines? Should we seek the support of the European Union to secure an independent agreement?