Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am a member of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which has published a report on Brexit. It was remiss of us that the equine sector was given little or no mention in the report. For that reason, it is very important for it to be included in this committee's report.

I would make a statement, rather than asking a question, in response to what Mr. O'Dwyer said about Ireland being joined at the hip with the UK. As he said, the ideal situation would be for everyone to go back to square one as if none of this had ever happened. Many people who have appeared before this committee have said it would be acceptable to them if Northern Ireland were to get special status because it would solve many of our problems. It would solve the problems with Down Royal, Downpatrick and Northern Ireland mares. I have a fear - it is important for this to be reflected in the negotiations - that if the EU 27 were to see the granting of special status to Northern Ireland without interfering with the island of Ireland as a means of giving Ireland a great deal and being seen as heroes, the imaginary border - the east-west border - would be much harder than a hardened Border between the North and South would be. I think the witnesses know the point I am making. Such a scenario could make the equine industry's relationship with the UK far more difficult than a perceived hard Brexit would make it. If we are seen to get a good deal by securing the retention of an all-island situation, it is possible that a far stronger border will be drawn along an imaginary line in the Irish Sea. We have heard the point that has been made today by the breeding and racing sectors from other groups, particularly within the agriculture industry. This point has been made with regard to cheddar cheese and mushrooms, to mention just two products. We are talking about an entire industry. I do not think we can stress that point enough when we produce our final report.