Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious there is a further debate on Brexit later today and tomorrow during which we can address in more detail the events of the past ten days. Some of the points raised during the Treaty of Rome commemorations deserve comment. In both the United Kingdom's notification and the draft negotiating position, it is fair to say that certain of Ireland's concerns are addressed. It is welcome that no one appears to be in favour of a hard Border but everything else is up for negotiation. We have not really had a definition or fleshing out of what people mean by a hard Border versus any other kind of border. One major point of concern is the failure of the United Kingdom Government to propose any provisions which might be specific to devolved governments. Not only is special status for Northern Ireland not proposed, it appears to be explicitly ruled out. It is looking at a pan-British approach to the relationship with the European Union. Crucially it omits to mention that 1.8 million people in Northern Ireland will retain the right to European Union citizenship irrespective of the settlement. There are a series of issues that we would like to see addressed in more detail in the European Union's negotiating document. The most important is that it must acknowledge the unique position of Northern Ireland and its citizens. Will the Taoiseach commit to seeking an acknowledgement of the EU citizenship of residents of Northern Ireland post-2019 in the EU's negotiating document? It is a simple question. I would appreciate a direct answer to it.

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