Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As a member of the Committee on European Union Affairs, I have been most impressed by the feedback we get from Europe and Members of the European Parliament who have visited the Border area and who have been briefed, in some cases, by local authority members. No matter how far east I have gone, I have found nobody in Europe who is not aware of the Irish Border and the issues surrounding it. The witnesses are to be complimented on this.

Cross-Border development has been mentioned and, I am afraid, this is where I come with a rather negative view of the world. My fear is that Brexit, whether it is a crash out or negotiated, will change forever the relationships that exist in the Border region. If we were to look for a solution to the Irish problem, perhaps we should step out of London and Brussels and come back to the witnesses and let them find a solution because they would have one in jig time.

Some time ago, Senator Black brought us to Cushendall where we met a haulier who will relocate to the Republic if there is a negative impact from Brexit on his business. What fears do the witnesses have with regard to businesses relocating out of Northern Ireland into the Republic or elsewhere in Europe to maintain their businesses?

The mismatch of funding bothers me. After Brexit, European funding will be guaranteed to the southern side and the Irish Government will continue to push for financial support for various projects along the Border. There is a possibility the UK will not provide equal funding. We will finish up with a mismatch and a poor relation on the other side of the Border.

Years ago, one knew one was in Northern Ireland because one would be driving on the best roads in the country. Now one knows one is in Northern Ireland because one is obliged to drive on the worst roads in the country. Somebody mentioned the central area of the Border region. I would drive to Sligo rather than try to cut across the Border. The mismatch of funding concerns me greatly. Have our guests considered local authorities on the other side of the Border? If they lose businesses, they will lose rates, funding, taxation, etc. That is a concern.

Have our guests had an opportunity to make a similar presentation to Members of the Westminster Parliament? I know the House of Lords has been fairly active, but have they had an opportunity to speak to MPs apart from those present at this meeting? I will leave it at that.