Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive report on Brexit. I am glad he stated it was not an Irish decision for the UK to leave the EU. It is the result of a Tory feud and it is the UK's decision to leave. I am glad the Government is committed to the Single Market, the euro and low corporation tax. The Minister said the first round of talks will take place on 19 June. What opportunities does he see with the UK leaving? Foreign direct investment in the UK amounts to approximately €35 billion a year while the equivalent investment in Ireland is approximately €5 billion. The IDA, Enterprise Ireland the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation are working hard to get as many companies from the EU as they can to set up in Ireland. What opportunities does this present?

The Minister of State mentioned the currency issue earlier. There has been an 11% reduction in the number of UK tourists visiting Ireland. The fluctuation in sterling has been a major factor.

The Minister referred to a hard border. I come from Dundalk, a Border town, and there is a great deal of concern about what will happen. The Minister said additional barriers and customs procedures may be put in place. What comfort can he give to the transport industry in the Border region?

The Government has committed €50 million to the A5 motorway project in Northern Ireland. If a hard border is put in place with customs posts, will the Government proceed with this investment? There is a great deal of discussion in the Houses about providing money for health and disabilities and so on. However, if there is a hard border, €50 million would go a long way towards addressing these problems. The Minister of State said the inactivity in the Northern Ireland Assembly is not helping the caused at the moment. What is the Minister's view on this? A few weeks ago, Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade visited Dundalk.

We heard from them that the only people showing any concern about Northern Ireland is the Irish Government. The background is that the Assembly is not operating and an election is under way in the United Kingdom. Does the Minister have an opinion on that issue?

Much is being said about aviation, traffic rights and so on. While the Minister stated this should not affect Ireland, a high profile individual involved in airline companies in Ireland stated this will cause problems. More than 200,000 people are employed in sectors that trade with the United Kingdom. Irish airports operate flights to London, Liverpool, Manchester and other UK cities. We will negotiate our rights as part of the European Union. I would not like anything to disrupt trade between Ireland and the UK. Will the Minister provide an update on the position in Ireland regarding aviation rights?