Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Ms King and Dr. McDonnell for coming in. This will be an ongoing conversation for the coming months.

Ms King remarked on the potential for a Brexit-related recession in 2019. I first wish to focus on several points related to Brexit. I note the ICTU has also commented on pensions today, including some stark warnings on the future of our pensions system.

Deputy Boyd Barrett raised that issue in terms of the work programme.

What is the worst case scenario in terms of the impact of Brexit on the economy and in terms of the rights of workers, an element which has got lost? We have difficulties around Tesco and Bus Éireann and we seem to be on a race to the bottom in this regard. Is there a danger that as Britain leaves Europe and we try and keep up with whatever they are going to do, we could go down that road and remove some protections? There is a broader macro point first, and is then the issue of worker protection.