Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support this motion. I welcome the idea of a special exemption for Northern Ireland. We have to have it.

A hard Border would be a disaster because it would deprive us of the free movement of goods and agricultural produce and make it difficult for workers to travel back and forth. There is clearly great support for the motion. However, the talk must happen other than in this Chamber. It must involve politicians in Europe and Northern Ministers and politicians who are currently not being given the priority they deserve due to the forthcoming election in Northern Ireland.

A specific Minister should be appointed to deal with Brexit, with no other responsibility in his or her portfolio, because it is a crucial time for the people of this country. Vast areas in rural Ireland will be disastrously affected by the decision of the British people to remove themselves from the European Union. We were told by the group which came before us, whose name I cannot recall, that Brexit would have a severe impact on the regions. It was said that Brexit would not affect Dublin or other cities but it would affect rural areas. As a Deputy representing rural Ireland that is why I am asking the Government to pull out all the stops and talk with the politicians in Europe. Our MEPs should have a pivotal role to play in the debate to ensure this country's interests are put forward and not allow a hard Border because that would take us back more than 20 years to the way we were before the Good Friday Agreement.

See this speech in context