Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael)
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I thank Professor Matthews. I had the benefit of seeing his presentation before but it is timely that he has given it today, when the British Prime Minister set out the objectives. In many ways, what she said is contradictory. She seems to hope for the best and does not want membership of the Single Market or the customs union. There are riders on the objectives. It must be clear to us that the writing is on the wall. If she gets the concessions she wants, it will interfere with the integrity of the European Union. Everything about this smacks of going backwards on Britain's part. There is the idea that it will again be a global trading nation but the concept of the sun never going down on the British Empire comes to mind. It seems to be some sort of delusion but I respect that people voted that way.

We have had much discussion on this matter. Our Taoiseach has spoken with Prime Minister May in the context of this issue as it relates to Northern Ireland. He has also approached the leaders of other member states. The reality is that for us to get what we want and remain a member state of the Union, we must go to Europe and not Britain. Do we need a sharper focus? Nobody can argue but that this is bad for us from an economic and social perspective, as well as with regard to the Northern Ireland issue as a special case. We must calculate what will be the loss to us. Of course, we, as progressive Europeans, will try to mitigate that and seek a package from Europe. We must say to Europe that this is how it will be. No matter what Prime Minister May says, Britain is not really worried about us. I do not know if she is really worried about the North of Ireland either to be honest, particularly in light of the way the British Government has behaved. This could be like a red-letter day. We can have platitudes - they will keep flowing - and we can talk but suddenly we will wake to the reality, which will not be good.

One of the first meetings the committee held involved a discussion with mushroom growers. We can see the devastation being wrought on them just as a result of sterling's collapse. We will be looking at fluctuations in sterling, at tariffs, as alluded to, as well as at cheaper agricultural imports. Prime Minister May can proclaim that she wants the European Union to stay together but she is moving towards undermining all that. We must make the best of a bad situation but we will have to call it a bit more. Is that not what we must do?

We must go to Europe and seek a package. We cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hound on this because there is a principle at stake. If Europe gives too many concessions to the UK and it works out over time with the British delighted, it will be the death knell for Europe as everybody will want more of the same. We do not know what this is about except disintegration. We have seen President-elect Trump's attitude to the disintegration of Europe. We must take stock of our position. I am interested in the views of the witnesses.