Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I take the opportunity to pass on Deputy Crowe's apologies for his absence.

In addition to the delegates who made the presentation made to the committee, it is important to acknowledge the various participants in the compilation of the report, namely, Mr. Donal McCarthy, Dr. Thomas Muinzer, Dr. Ciara Brennan, Dr. Viviane Garvey, Professor Colin Harvey, Professor David Phinnemore, Professor Owen McIntyre and Dr. Roderic O'Gorman, together with Michael D'Arcy and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The presentations made today bring home the difficulties posed by Brexit and some of the insurmountable issues involved. We all recognise that we can deal with the movement of people and goods if there is a will to do so. I was reminded of the words of the song, "Only Our Rivers Run Free". As Senator Craughwell stated, wildlife knows no boundaries and neither do air or water. If we consider the issues of concern that arose in the past, we must have regard not only for national and transnational interests but also for international interests, whether these relate to Selafield, water - in the context of the Betelgueseaccident many years ago - the transmission of disease through wildlife, be it the spread of tuberculosis via deer or the incidence of Lyme disease and other topical and very much live issues that are the subject of debate. People need to realise that these are not just all-Ireland problems, they are problems for both islands. That is the focus we must have and the Environmental Pillar report has very much facilitated this.

I reiterate what Deputy Brendan Smith said in respect of the illegal dumping of tyres to fuel, the issues relating thereto and the need for organisations to co-operate regardless of Brexit. We had a presentation earlier on the issue of smoky coal. We are seeing the movement of its impact from the North to the South right and it is causing massive issues in terms of our air quality and environment. The delegates have brought home to many of us who may not have been as aware of the environmental issues the importance of dwelling on those alongside the movement of people and goods, for which I thank them. I wish them well in the future and the very best in their good work on behalf of all the citizens of this island and beyond.