Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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I will take up the point made by Senator Craughwell on the Dublin Port tunnel. I represent Dublin Bay North and the Dublin Port tunnel is major infrastructure on the north side of Dublin. If it closes for five minutes because of an accident, there is traffic chaos in the entire city. I hope plans and preparations are being put in place for the event of a no-deal Brexit. I hope the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, who represents Dublin Central, is giving the issue great attention. There is nothing surer than that the citizens of Dublin will be greatly discommoded if traffic comes to a standstill because of problems in the Dublin Port tunnel in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

I agree with the Minister of State that the issues in the withdrawal agreement will be the first items on the agenda in the event of a no-deal Brexit. I hope it is realised by all parties concerned that these issues are simply not going to go away.

Will the Minister of State confirm that discussions have taken place between the Republic of Ireland and the European Commission on measures to be taken in the event of a no-deal Brexit? I am not asking for details of the discussions but are such discussions taking place? When will we know the details of these discussions? Obviously, there are a lot of issues to be considered in this context and I am interested to know where that stands.

With regard to the new European Commission, we have a new European Parliament that is very fragmented in comparison with previous European Parliaments. I am interested in the fallout from this and the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen as the President of the European Commission. She tabled a proposal to have a Commissioner to protect the European way of life. Where does this stand? I know the European Parliament is quizzing the European Commission nominees at present. Is this still something that is being pursued? As for the Minister of State's comments on the rule of law, we have President Trump in the United States and Mr. Johnson as Prime Minister in the United Kingdom, and adherence to the law seems to be becoming increasingly optional in the world today. We have the rise of the far right in the European Union. Given the fallout from the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen, can we be assured the new European Commission will continue to pursue it actively? The fundamental values of the European Union are at stake. I am interested to hear the comments of the Minister of State on this issue.