Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms O'Connell. I agree with Senator Paul Daly's remarks about the UK having been an important ally. I have had the privilege of working on the Council of Europe and I notice in that forum, which will be very important post Brexit, that the UK and the Republic of Ireland will regularly ally on issues and that there is a commonality of interests and constant support there. It is true that we potentially will be losing a very important ally, which is a serious matter.

According to market research, there is a very positive sentiment towards the EU in Ireland. Would Ms O'Connell agree that this sentiment will be greatly and adversely affected if what has been said about Ireland's special position is not realised? If we do not see evidence of Mr. Barnier and his team positively batting for Ireland in the context of a solution, will that sentiment quickly erode? Could European Movement Ireland do anything to convey that point very clearly to Mr. Barnier and the negotiators?

A cynic or a pessimist might say that the remarks by Mr. Barnier and Prime Minister May, as well as the contents of the pre-negotiation documents regarding the unique and special position of Ireland, are only platitudes. I do not want to believe that, nor do my colleagues on this committee. Certainly those of us who live in Border communities cannot even contemplate such a scenario. Can Ms O'Connell provide reassurance on that point? She is very much a part of the whole process and is so close to it. Does she believe there is more to it than rhetoric? Does she think that Ireland will be batted for in a positive way?

When we lose the UK as an ally within the EU, one presumes we will form alliances with a new network of countries with similar interests. I ask Ms O'Connell to comment on that presumption. I am interested in finding out how we can achieve a practical expression of the good sentiments. If the sentiments expressed were to become realities, then all would be great. However, the fear is that they are no more than sentiments.