Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to respond briefly to both Peter Hain's comment about a lack of understanding within the European institutions and Baroness Ritchie's direct question. All my interaction across the political family in Europe and with the Commission has told me they have a very deep knowledge of the intricacies of Ireland, not only at an institutional level. People like Michel Barnier, obviously, but also people like Maroš Šefovi have taken enormous trouble to understand the nuances and difficulties. I have had discussions and dinner with Mr. Šefovi. He has a degree of understanding that is surprising. It is the same with people such as Johannes Hahn and other Commission members who have had a long-time understanding of Ireland.

I will make two points in this regard. I strongly agree with Deputy Richmond's analysis. I spoke to many British parliamentarians in the early stages of Brexit who had a view that the economic issues would come to a point where the German Chancellor or the French President would pick up a phone and instruct Michel Barnier, "Fix this because it is in the interests of the German car industry or French industry." They had a fundamental misunderstanding that the European project is the project that underscores the heart of French and especially German politics. The solidarity Ireland has got from the 27 is a manifestation of that because there was a view that maybe the European Union itself was somehow fragile. I think the solidarity shown to Ireland across the 27 was to make it manifest that the European project is to be sustained and supported. However, there is now a view, in my judgment, that the European Union wants to look beyond Brexit.

That is a chapter it is closing and it wants to look at the future of Europe debate, where its energy and focus has gone. That has also become an issue for us, that as we march on, it is looking in the rear-view mirror and asking why are these things still causing aggravation.

The other fundamental issue is that the EU is a community of law. When you do deals, write down treaties and sign up to them, there is a real expectation that they are delivered upon and not walked away from. It is very difficult if you formally agree to an agreement and then come back to say, "Actually, let us have a different agreement and we will ignore the one we just concluded." These are fundamental issues that I am not sure if everyone in the British system had a clear understanding of. Obviously the people in this discussion have.

I thought Baroness Ritchie's question was on opportunities for the Republic of Ireland as opposed to Northern Ireland. Maybe I misunderstood.