Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Fáilte romhat anseo inniu. I acknowledge the work that has been done by our officials, Departments and various bodies to prepare for the unknown while working in a vacuum. At the founding of the EU its principles were peace, harmony and economic and social development for everybody but those principles are being undermined by the way Europe responded to the migrant crisis and by the economic crash, which showed a widening division between rich and poor. Is this an opportunity for the EU to redefine its vision and to become more committed to the values on which it was set up? There is an issue around development aid and we are seeing an increasing securitisation agenda. There is a fear that this will divert badly needed funding and there will now be a further shortfall from Britain.

My second question relates to Ireland as we will be particularly affected in many areas because of Brexit and its potential economic consequences. How can Europe support Irish jobs and businesses in that area? A terrible gamble is being taken with the Good Friday Agreement. Flawed as it is, it has ensured peace for a generation who have not experienced the violence their parents and grandparents experienced. As well as economic consequences, there are consequences relating to identity and culture.