Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his words of congratulation. I welcome his officials and the ambassadorial representatives. Embassies are of course interested in this matter. It is the most significant issue facing Europe. It is regrettable that we have reached this stage, given that the UK will undoubtedly be a loss to Europe and to us. I say that as a former trade Minister who worked closely with the British on issues that affected our islands. That said, we must face reality. A dedicated Minister for Brexit is needed, be it the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy, or someone else.

We must have someone to whom we can relate. This is the Committee on European Union Affairs and we will play an important role in discussing the matter with fellow parliamentarians in the other 26 member states. There is a case to be made for inviting representatives of those countries' European affairs committees to Ireland in order that they might see at first hand what the border between the UK and Europe means as it applies to Ireland and realise that it is a porous border. It was not of our making and we would rather that the Border was not there, but it is there. Seeing it would show them the seriousness of this matter.

Ireland should have a representative on the negotiating body. The Government should insist. No other country is more affected than we are. We and the UK are hand in glove as regards trade. It is €1 billion in trade per week. Will the Minister of State indicate his views on this? Will he indicate whether Ireland should insist on having representatives on the negotiating body to keep abreast of what is happening day by day and week by week and how it will affect our country? The EU owes us no more and no less. We have sacrificed by joining the EU and being dedicated and loyal members. We are in a critical situation because of the UK's decision to opt out under the Lisbon treaty.