Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too am pleased to speak today in the post-European Council debate. It is time we got serious because the trigger has almost been fully pulled and it only remains for the final step before Article 50 is notified to the EU on 29 March. Deputy Niamh Smith is present and she appreciates that one could not have a hard border again let alone a soft border between the Six Counties of Northern Ireland and the Republic from the point of view of farming, especially pig farming as Deputy Michael Healy-Rae outlined, sheep farming, dairy, beef and cereals as well as industry. Farmers travel across the Border and some farmers have land on both sides of the Border. It is vital that we do all we can in that regard.

I had the privilege of being in the United States last week.

I met An Taoiseach at the embassy gig and in New York. There were many lieutenants on his arm supporting him and although people thought he was going somewhere, I do not think he is going anywhere. He performed his duties with a bit of panache and he was excellently received by President Trump, Vice President Pence and the Speaker of the House, Mr. Ryan. I attended those functions. We are pushing an open door in that respect.

Europe has not been very kind to us, although we have been through a lot in Europe. We have been exemplary Europeans. We now need to look elsewhere as our nearest neighbours are at it again. We used to call them John Bull but they are not too interested in what we are doing here. They care little about the impact. They are self-centred, as they always were. When the British Empire was at its strongest, we struck a blow from a united Ireland that crumbled that empire. They seem to be thinking it is payback time but I do not want that either. We are certainly on our own, as far as they are concerned, so we must look at our strengths and our allies in the United States. We should not every day of the week attack the elected President of such a powerful economy until he does something that would damage us. He has not done that.

I met the chief executive officer of IDA Ireland over there, as well as representatives of Enterprise Ireland and tourism groups. They are working so hard to try to send back tourists and jobs. We must consider that. We must attend the negotiations and demand of our European colleagues that they stand by us and support us. We have been exemplary Europeans. I have often criticised the process but it is now payback time. It should allow us to be in the centre of those negotiations. I know the Taoiseach will make contacts. That is in case Members think I am a party political broadcaster. We need the benefit of his expertise and experience in that area. The fewer rumblings there are in that pen, the better at this volatile time. That is in case the sheep are anxious and the dogs might be left out after them. It is too serious for that. We need our place at the table to be recognised.

In mentioning migration problems, I salute the Naval Service and sympathise with the Irish Coast Guard on the tragic accident that occurred when I was away. They do tremendous work and the Naval Service has brought pride to our country because of the many life-saving efforts they have made in humanitarian causes. The migration problem has been discussed and that is ongoing. We are only scratching the surface. I thank the non-governmental organisations for the work they have done in this regard.

The time for talking is gone and it is now time for decisive action. We know the UK is pulling down the shutters and leaving us adrift. We must make our own way. The old adage is that where Tipperary leads, Ireland follows, but Ireland must now lead its own way. We must make our own way and look to friends and markets elsewhere. We can look to our diaspora and recognise the work of IDA Ireland and others. I cannot believe an organisation like ConnectIreland has been disbanded as it made good headway. We need all hands on deck and we must all go the same way at the one time. There should be nobody going against the tide. We must make use of the tide and get the wind at our backs. The old saying is "Ní neart go chur le chéile". We must stand and fight together, demanding that Europe gives us payback. I suppose I should not use that word but it must support us because we have been good Europeans. The European Union should enhance the negotiations in any way it can with a view to cushioning us from the terrible impacts that face us. Everybody realises it, even in the United States. The Americans are looking at us now while carrots are being dangled by the UK to them. It will not all be one-way traffic. Our béal should be dúnta and we should recognise the elected President while working with him.

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