Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before us. It is very interesting to listen to the witness speak on this complicated issue. Obviously at the time of the Brexit referendum, very little attention was given to the impact it would have upon Ireland and in particular on Northern Ireland. Similarly, notwithstanding their efforts, I think insufficient attention has been given to the impact Brexit will have on the rights of individuals in Northern Ireland, irrespective of which citizenship they carry.

I wish to probe a little deeper into the issues raised by Senator Ó Donnghaile as my understanding is not as advanced as his.

At present everyone born in Northern Ireland is a citizen of the EU. Some are Irish citizens, some are British citizens and some are both. What is the legal basis upon which those who are Irish citizens and do not want to be British citizens will reside and work in Northern Ireland after Brexit? Is it that under the British Nationality Act 1981 they are automatically deemed to be British?