Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, am pleased to be able to speak on this important topic today although I do not intend to speak for too long. I listened to the Taoiseach's speech this morning as well as that of the Minister of State, Deputy Murphy. I am well aware, as are many of us, that this is a hugely important issue which could have huge implications for our trade. It is ultimately up to the electorate of Great Britain to decide on 23 June what they will do. I do not believe too much outside interference can have the effect that is least expected. The electorate are entitled to make their own decision. They committed to having and will have a referendum and we could learn a few bits and pieces from them in that regard. They have achieved a good deal with their European colleagues and partners in the run-up to this referendum by way of leverage to get better bang for their buck and fair play for their situation. Perhaps we could learn from their approach.

We have a unique situation because of the involvement of our trading partners in the Six Counties in Northern Ireland. I have been a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Association for a number of years and enjoyed the relationship and the discussions on different issues relating to trade and bilateral trade. We discussed different arrangements at many of our visits, both North and South as well as over in England. They came here too. It is reciprocal. There were discussions on work and the like as well as exchanges on culture, heritage and social matters.

There are huge economic reasons we need and would like them to remain in the European Union. We are now approaching the critical juncture. In just a few weeks' time, on 23 June, the electorate will answer the question. As I said, we must allow them to do that of their own right without any interference. The economic and social benefits are too staggering to consider if it is that they are not to remain in the Union, but that is a matter for themselves.

The economic relationship is important. It is almost €1.2 billion of trade. It is not only trade in agriculture, which many might have believed. It would be a common belief that we just export our agricultural goods. Aside from agricultural products, many other goods and services, including IT, are traded. The amount of trade they do with us here as well is vast. One might think they would export more to other parts of the world but that is not the case. There is a huge amount of trade back and forth between our two nations. I honestly believe that if they were to decide to exit, we would have serious trade issues.

The European Union has stood the test of time. I have been very critical of it on many occasions, and I am still. Its legislation has certainly not been that favourable to us here. I admire sometimes that the English seem to have achieved better deals. From an agricultural point of view, I can point to one straight away, which is the nitrates directive. In the Border counties of Monaghan and Fermanagh, there is a railing marking the Border. The weather and climatic conditions are the same. It is literally the same field, but we have more stringent rules here. We could, with common sense, spread slurry on land. Their situation is different. They were obviously more active in the negotiations and more conscious of the issue. That is only one item.

We have become too bureaucratic as a European Union. There are too many rules and regulations and not enough of the spirit of the European Union itself. There is too much red tape and then when we get it over here, we add several more statutory instruments. Perhaps we could learn a bit from the stances the English people have taken on a number of issues. Despite this, still they are not satisfied. They have demanded a referendum and now they are getting it. I believe they will look cold and hard at the situation. Young people to whom I have spoken, who are living and working there and are involved in the economy, believe it will remain in the Union, but I will not dare to suggest how they should vote. However, as I said, it is a serious issue facing us. When the referendum is over, we will look at the result and pick up the pieces. Hopefully, we will have a Government by then. If we do not, God help us.

It is important that we let them have their vote without any fear or favour and that we reflect on the result. Perhaps there is one lesson we can take from it which is that whatever the new Government might be, we should stand up to the Europeans more. They have not always been that helpful to us, especially in the time of the so-called bailout with the banks. I called it a clean-out and I still do because the interest rate was nearly 6% whereas the IMF gave it to us for 3%.

We all have to reflect on our positions within Europe. We have to be treated fairly and with respect and we have to let them know that we are not just the good boys and girls of Europe. There was never a time like the present when we needed more support from Europe. We are unable to form a Government because of the stringent rules and fiscal agreements we entered into, yet we seem to be afraid to go back and ask them for leniency. Perhaps we can take a leaf out of another book and look at this on 24, 25 and 26 June, reflect and see how we can leverage - I hate using that word - fairer conditions for us as a small partner and an island nation that needs Europe's support and not stringent regulations. We need to reflect on how we need Europe's financial support without its punitive penal interest rates. We also need to reflect on how we should be respected for the nation we are and for being the good Europeans and on how we should get support when we need it most. Our hour of need has come this year, yet we seem to be afraid. Our most senior civil servants also seem to be afraid to go back and ask for anything to be re-examined and to look for a better deal for our people. We can reflect on that after the vote and see if they would be interested, if not insisting on it, in giving due recognition to our situation and trying to help us on our pathway to recovery. Let it be a meaningful and real recovery. As I said, we await the outcome.

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