Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

Seanad Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union

Engagement on Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union

Photo of Tim LombardTim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. One of the key issues in terms of the negotiations is the fishing sector. The fishing community is vulnerable in the context of the Brexit negotiations. Following on from Mr. Barnier's remarks at the weekend that even with a good Brexit there will be in a 15% to 18% reduction in quotas, I would welcome the Minister's views on the likely outcome of the negotiations in this regard. On 15 and 16 December, negotiations will take place within the European Union on quotas for next year. In the Minister's view, is it likely a deal will be in place before then in order that the negotiations at EU level on quotas for catch for next year can take place? Mr. Barnier's reference to a 15% to 18% reduction in quota came as a surprise to the fishing community, even though it was obvious there would be some reduction in quota. I would welcome the Minister's views on the direction he believes that negotiation will go over the next ten days.

Another issue is that of infrastructure, both here and in France. I ask the Minister to comment on whether he believes we are Brexit-prepared in regard to key infrastructure at the relevant ports and if the Continent has the capability to deal with the trade, hopefully, coming directly from Ireland.

In regard to the passports issued over the past four years in particular, is it anticipated that that trend will continue such that large numbers of passports will need to be processed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. What are the numbers like currently in terms of passport applications, particularly from the UK?

My final question is on a political point. Since the mid-1970s, Ireland has been involved with the UK in regard to the European Union. That political involvement will be broken. Through what forums will Ministers meet and interact with their colleagues? If we are to have a coherent approach to our engagement with the UK, which is our nearest neighbour and our dearest trading partner, that political interaction will be important. I would like to hear from the Minister what that might look like. For example, will there be a forum or will special meetings take place? How does he envisage that political dynamic will work and to the benefit of the Irish community in the UK and in Ireland to make sure that they have representation on key issues?

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