Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome both witnesses. As the Chairman has rightly said, some 38 hours into our discussions, it is a breath of fresh air to hear about potential gains because there has been a lot of negativity around this subject. The witnesses were at pains to say that Ireland is not critically dependent on the UK when it comes to science and research. Down the line, however, if there is a hard Brexit or if negotiations get dirty, could they see an "us" and "them" scenario emerging? Britain might want to become a world leader in its own right, outside of the EU. It might batten down the hatches somewhat and go on a solo run. Could the witnesses see that happening and if it did, how would we fare in that situation, particularly from a North-South perspective? In terms of further education, it certainly is frightening that families may have to write open cheques. Tourism Ireland was before this committee and said that people plan holidays one to two years in advance and that the people who are now beginning to plan their holidays for two years hence do not know what the situation will be then. None of us knows and that is what is frightening. A holiday can be put on the shelf but people cannot put their education on hold because they do not know what is going to happen. The not-knowing scenario is difficult and I do not know how we can overcome it. We must give some assurances to people who are facing such decisions but I do not know how we can do that.

I do not want to take from the optimism of the witnesses but if the negotiations go sour, will the UK go on a solo run? While the witnesses have said that we are not critically dependent on the UK, in terms of the North-South relationship in particular, could barriers be put up that would affect us? As the witnesses pointed out, the UK is a strong contributor to the pool and I cannot see that continuing if it goes on a solo run itself.