Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the delegates for their presentations. I am delighted they are here to discuss the issue of citizens' rights post Brexit, which, for me, is probably one of the most important. Much of the Brexit debate thus far has focused on trade. For that reason, this discussion is important.

Mr. Holder mentioned in his presentation that up to 2012 the UK Home Office generally respected the rights of people in Northern Ireland attached to Irish citizenship but that post 2012, to stop the exercise of particular EU rights, the policy changed in the treatment of all people born in Northern Ireland as British. Perhaps Mr. Holder might elaborate on what be believes spurred that decision.

On rights and entitlements, Irish citizens living in the North will remain EU citizens, but they will no longer be able to elect representatives to the European Parliament or the European Council. To me, that is a democratic deficit. It touches on the wider issue of the State not affording voting rights to its citizen residents outside the jurisdiction. We are extremely restrictive on the issue in comparison to other European countries. Will the delegates comment on how we can ensure Irish citizens living in the North will not be disenfranchised entirely?