Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Owing to their constructive and positive approach, over 280,000 people have been able to receive benefits under the Lansdowne Road agreement. Obviously, these are matters that are continuously kept under discussion. It does Deputy Mick Barry no justice to forget the contribution they have made in the greater interests of our economic development.

I have to agree with Deputy Micheál Martin that the TTIP is now dead. Clearly, comments made during the course of the primary and presidential elections on trade agreements are, I think, already being revised to the extent of perhaps adjusting some of the agreements instead of doing them down altogether. This is an issue to which, obviously, we will return.

I also agree that, from a European and an Irish perspective, we need to look five, ten or 20 years ahead. That is why I always say the European Union should not be afraid of the future. It is a bloc of 28, soon to be 27, member states and almost 500 million people. It is one of the best developed regions on the planet, capable of setting the standards and conditions that should apply to world trade for the next 50 years. Where we need to move is to a future of prosperity, peace and opportunity. These are things we could usefully discuss here in the context of the broader European part we have to play.

Deputy Gerry Adams referred to the retail sector. This is one of the themes and sectoral areas that will be discussed in considerable detail, North and South, in the next period arising from the all-island forum established in the consideration of Brexit.

I have discussed previously with the Deputy his views on seeking a special arrangement, status or position. When we last discussed this matter, two issues arose, one of which was seeking an alternative, while the other was seeking special status. To a degree, we have been recognised as being very different in the context of the Border, the peace process, INTERREG funds, PEACE funds and all of the supported activity on a cross-Border basis covering infrastructure, medical services, education and so on. In the recent budget we were obviously cognisant of Brexit and the Minister for Finance made a number of arrangements in that context, one of which involved the retention of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector. It has had an impact in stabilising and increasing opportunities in the sector which is very important in the context of future developments. We will have an opportunity to discuss these matters further in the House at a future date.

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