Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and agree with the statements he made in his address to the committee. It is a measure of their efforts that the Government, officials and civil servants have been successful in ensuring the Irish case has been heard loud and clear in the European Union. It is extremely valuable to us and welcome that there is full support across the European Union for the Government's position.

The professionalism shown on all sides has been very productive. As the Tánaiste said, it is important as we approach the end game that we remain resolute in our stance. Following on from the Tánaiste's remarks, I have no doubt that will be the case. Whatever will be agreed by the British Government there is no guarantee the UK Parliament will support it. There are increasing signs of dissent and a continuing failure to achieve a clear Government line that is effective and has majority support in the UK Parliament. It is important that we continue to show unity of purpose and a determination to get this right to ensure that everybody is treated equally, particularly in the north of our country.

The issue of getting the administration in the North up and running again has been mentioned. I note the Tánaiste's comment that at the meeting at which he spoke to people from the different parties about this, they said they want and are willing to work to make that happen but there are huge barriers to that step forward. In the absence of an administration in the North, everybody's case is weakened. The majority of people in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. The voices of businesses and ordinary working people are behind the Tánaiste in his efforts. We do not underestimate the pressure the Irish Government may be under but the Tánaiste can be assured of our commitment and unity on the essential purpose. There is nothing more important than that.

The Border poll was also mentioned. As we all know, people have a right to their nationalist and unionist identities. I accept that at this point there is not a majority in the North for a successful Border poll but it is a legitimate aspiration. One of the weaknesses of the Good Friday Agreement is that is makes no provision for such a poll in the future. I accept that the British Government reserves the authority to instigate such a poll but we need to articulate a cogent objective pathway in this regard. I accept this is not the right time for such a poll but people have a right to this aspiration. Like my colleague, Deputy Breathnach, I live in a Border constituency. We are acutely aware and concerned about the impact of Brexit. There is no Brexit that will work for the Border areas. The harder the Brexit the greater will be the impact.

I encourage the Tánaiste to maintain the determined and focused work he is doing. I have not heard anybody say they disagree with anything that he is doing.