Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Minister will establish that and let us know. The re-establishment of Border checkpoints would be a calamitous scenario for people right across this island, but particularly in Border counties and all efforts must be made to prevent that from happening. The revelation triggers so many questions that I would appreciate some clarification on it. Perhaps the Minister would make a note of my questions and respond appropriately. For example, who is involved in this effort to identity the location for Border controls?

How long have they being doing it? When are they due to report back? To whom will they report? What can the Minister of State tell us regarding their role? Can he confirm what will happen to all the other Border roads that will not be checkpointed? Will it be a return to the dark days of the past where bollards and barriers divided neighbours, families and whole communities? The very prospect of all of this is terrifying. We deserve clarity on all of these matters. These are the questions that ordinary folk living in the Border counties are discussing and are anxious about.

There is a way of avoiding all of this. A total of 56% of people in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. The democratic will of the people must be respected. The only credible approach is for Northern Ireland to be designated with special status within the EU and thereby for the whole island of Ireland to remain within the EU. As part of the Brexit negotiations, it is essential to argue the case for designated special status for Northern Ireland within the Union. I therefore call on all Deputies to support this motion which calls on Government to enter any forthcoming negotiations to defend the democratic mandate of the people of the Six Counties to remain within the EU and to act in Ireland's national interest. The Government should also report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on at least a quarterly basis regarding developments in the Brexit negotiations. I repeat that the Government should negotiate for Northern Ireland to be designated with special status within the EU and for the whole island of Ireland to remain within the EU and together. Iarraim ar Bhaill seasamh le muintir na tíre seo, ó thuaidh agus ó dheas, agus vóta a chaitheamh ar son an rúin thábhachtach seo.

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