Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive report to the committee on the issues being confronted by the European Union at present. On the special European Council meeting, the political declaration and the future relationship generally between the UK and the EU, could the Minister of State tell us what Ireland's priorities in those areas are? I asked the Taoiseach about the European Council meeting earlier today in the Dáil, and he told the House that all Heads of Government were consulted about their priorities. Is there general agreement among the EU 27 about what it wants to see happen in terms of the future relationship, having regard to the declaration? More importantly, what are Ireland's priorities for those negotiations, which we hope will proceed in due course?

I note the Minister of State has said that the Government is preparing for all eventualities and scenarios in terms of Brexit, including for a no-deal Brexit. Can she give us a little bit more information on that? Are we talking about the upgrade of our ports and airports? Does it include supports for small businesses and SMEs? I believe we are facing a rocky period, especially if the vote on 11 December goes the way we all think it will go, although it is true that a week is a long time in politics. We must brace ourselves economically for anything that might happen after that date, including changes in the value of the pound, cross-Border trade and Christmas shopping. Things could happen quite quickly. Can the Minister of State please reassure us that the Government is prepared for all eventualities and scenarios?

I wish the Minister of State well in her endeavours with the Single Market. It is an ideal worthy of further action and should be pursued. It is in the interest of the citizens at the end of the day; they will greatly benefit from the agenda set out for the future of the Single Market, and that is to be welcomed.

On the future of Europe, I note there will be a major European Council meeting in Romania in May 2019. How does the Minister of State see that panning out? Does she envisage that big decisions will be taken at that meeting or that big changes will take place? Will it be more aspirational? Will it set out a new vision for Europe or will major practical steps be announced on the future of the European Union? I am particularly interested in moves towards further integration, which we discussed last week with the representative of the European Commission in Ireland. Is there a move towards further integration among many or all of the EU states? How is that likely to proceed? I agree with what has been said about Poland and Hungary; democratic, liberal European values are dear to us all and I welcome the moves taken by the European Commission in that area.