Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Benn and the committee for engaging with us this morning. Like Deputy Haughey, I would like to know if there was US influence to pull back on the withdrawal agreement. I agree with Deputy Richmond that it is good news and some progress but it only takes us back to where we thought we were a year ago with an agreement that was already in place. It is entirely separate to the future trade agreement, in respect of which there still appear to be significant gaps. I am concerned at the pessimistic view being expressed by Michel Barnier and others that there is still a long way to go on governance, a level playing field and fisheries.

I have a question on fisheries, which Dr. Whitford might have a view on. I refer to the surprise suggestion from the UK Government that a large part of the pelagic stock might be dealt with under the informal forum of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission. There is huge opposition to this from an EU perspective because of the history of that forum and the fact that very often the non-binding type gentleman's agreement in terms of quotas is very often exceeded and it is an annual conversation which does not allow anyone to plan ahead. I am interested in hearing the views of the witnesses on that proposal from the UK Government? Do they think it is workable and are they aware of the motivation of the UK Government for putting that on the table?

My second question is a little more specific so I am not sure which of the witnesses will be able to respond to it. It is about Dover Port from Ireland's perspective. The witnesses will know that we use the land bridge to get much of our exports in and out through Dublin Port to Dover and on to Calais. We have a plan in place at Dublin Port, where there has been a lot of infrastructure development. We have a traffic management plan in place and we are anticipating some delays and congestion even with a deal in place. We are struggling to get information around Dover. There is a reluctance to interfere because obviously it is preparation from the UK perspective. Can the witnesses provide any insight on what preparations are being made and how they think Dover might work? Our trucks will be in the same position as Scottish and British trucks when they get to Dover. What plan is in place at Dover Port come 1 January, deal or no-deal?