Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late. The chamber representatives are welcome. I was at another meeting and got held up.

I come from a border constituency, namely Sligo-Leitrim. There are major concerns along the Border. You have highlighted over many months, Chairman, the concerns of the farming community and those involved in tourism, trade and other activities between North and South, between Northern Ireland and the South. It is vital. There are major concerns in my constituency and throughout all Border areas over what will happen.

The more people I talk to, the more confusing it becomes because no one seems to know exactly what is happening. If no hard border was established on the island of Ireland, would this plan necessitate some sort of hard border between all areas of the island of Ireland and the rest of the British Isles to enforce the UK's non-acceptance of the EU freedom of movement policy? These are among the concerns. Let us suppose the UK seeks to remove the ability of non-citizens to move freely inside its borders. How can that plan eliminate the need for some sort of hard border on the island of Ireland? The majority of the people and the population here are not part of the UK.

These are issues and concerns that I have and I know my constituents share them. Generally, within this country at present there is so much uncertainty and news coming out. One day we hear something. Then, the next day, what was said is contradicted and so on. That causes major concern for many people.