Dáil debates

Tuesday, 27 September 2016

2:10 pm

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá sé ar ais. Maith an fear. When the Taoiseach's mojo was not working so well, he quite rightly acknowledged the unique and unprecedented challenges that have been presented to the people of the island of Ireland as a result of the outcome in June of the so-called Brexit vote. He will recall the meeting we had here with the party leaders and the Independents at which we all agreed that this was one of the most important issues facing the island at present. He agreed at that time to convene an all-Ireland forum to discuss the serious issues involved. All of us in this Chamber are agreed on this very necessary process of consultation. I know from being in the North that many people there have that view also, not least because of the potential implications and the nature of the Border for citizens, families and communities in both states.

As the Taoiseach will know because he has said this, as a result of the British Government's insistence on dragging the people of the North out of the EU against their wishes, the entire post-Good Friday Agreement architecture is under threat, including its human rights protocols. There are widespread concerns about this and also about the economic consequences. Border communities - I represent a Border community in Louth - would undoubtedly be the worst hit. There will be a day of action against Brexit across the Border from Derry to Dundalk on Sunday, 8 October at 3 o'clock. It is a campaign group and non-party political. It is called Border Communities against Brexit. It is made up of trade unionists, the business community, community groups, charities, disability campaigners and others from North and South. I encourage Deputies to attend if they can. It is important that we send a very clear message that the vote of the people of the North must be respected.

At the National Ploughing Championship there was considerable concern about the effect on farming, the agrifood sector and so on. There are huge issues that have yet to come into play covering social, economic, political, constitutional and cultural areas. However, the Taoiseach has not yet sent a word to the Opposition - certainly to my knowledge - about the plan he agreed to bring forward about an all-Ireland forum. Can he assure the Dáil that he has not given the DUP a veto on the establishment of an island-wide forum or island-wide consultation process? Why has he not yet briefed us on his plans? Will he take the opportunity now to outline the Government's proposals?

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