Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking the time to attend. I commend the work he, the Taoiseach, the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, and all of the officials have been doing so far. It is great that the work commenced right after the referendum. They set to work to have us as ready as possible for something so unknown. The potential impact of a no-deal Brexit is very severe. The legislation is welcome to protect workers and students, including many Irish students, and to continue co-operation in the health sector across the Border. There is a logistical or practical matter that worries me. Should there be the scenario we all dread on 29 March, what will happen in practical terms at midnight or the following morning in the protection of workers or students? If the Bill is passed, as I hope it will be, will it continue flawlessly, as it were? I agree that the Bill should be brought through a committee of the Houses and it is welcome that all Members will have a chance to have their say on it in order that there will be a whole-of-government and Oireachtas approach. In so far as I can say, as Whip, the Minister will have the support of the Seanad in that regard. However, I would appreciate it if he could give us an idea of the practicalities involved.