Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019: Discussion

Photo of Niall Ó DonnghaileNiall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and his officials for the presentation this morning. Given the Minister's personal engagement on and interest in this issue, I wish to note the significant judgment handed down by the Supreme Court in London in the Pat Finucane case. I am sure it is a judgment the Minister, his officials and Government colleagues will want to study so I do not expect him to comment on it at all. I just wish to note its significance.

Let me return to a point raised by Deputy Ó Laoghaire. The Minister cited the De Souza case. One of the major concerns expressed in a recent presentation to this committee by legal and human rights organisations on the impact of Brexit related to the difference between citizenship rights and residency rights. Concerns were also raised about the common travel area rights being built on sand. I am glad that the Minister has discussed the issues with the British Home Secretary but, given the live nature of the pursuit of Emma De Souza through the courts, that does not necessarily fill us with confidence. Legislative action which realises fully the objectives of the Good Friday Agreement has to be taken by the British Government. As Deputy Ó Laoghaire and the contributors stated previously, we must also see legislative action taken in this jurisdiction that fully realises the citizenship rights aspect of the Good Friday Agreement. I understand that, on behalf of the committee, the Chairman is compiling a report on the contributions and presentations we have received. I am sure the Minister will be given a copy. Could he expand on what measures can be taken? I appreciate there is a tight timeframe and that we are in uncertain waters but, in the context of a timeframe that has only been shortened as a result of the Brexit deadline, we have to get to the point where we are legislating adequately for people's rights in the context and spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, regardless of whether there is a Brexit. Sin an méid.

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