Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. Regardless of what happens in the Brexit negotiations, Ireland cannot afford to lose the United Kingdom as a trading partner. The agriculture sector, in particular, is reliant on exports to Britain. I understand sales of cheddar cheese have declined. We import cheaply from the North and export large amounts of beef and dairy produce to Britain. A strong cross-Border working relationship has developed in milk processing.

I note the glee surrounding the election of the new President of France on Sunday, which was described as a good day for the European Union. Mr. Macron shifted his position a few days before his election when he stated that the EU must fundamentally change its approach.

People inquire as to why England voted to leave, but the reason appears to be the rules and regulations that are being introduced. I do not know whether this is being done by civil servants in other countries or whatever. Consider how fiscal rules are imposed on Ireland. Consider Sligo where, due to EU regulations, 10,000 people are at risk of not being able to have their water supplies upgraded. Consider how the EU told us last week how to undertake planning following a European Court of Justice ruling. I saw a debate in the EU about the curvature of a banana. It was as if the EU did not have something better to do. This is what frustrates people in various parts of Ireland and the rest of Europe. Consider the statistics. In France, 35% of people voted for Marine Le Pen. With just a small movement, that would shift to 50% quickly.

A White Paper on the Europe of the future is under discussion, but if that Europe does not revert to the Europe of the beginning, the old EEC, when we traded goods, there was a relationship and Europe minded its business and let a country run most of its own, Europe is headed for a crash. Unfortunately, it appears that bureaucrats are trying to dictate the pace.

I noted with interest at the weekend that Chancellor Angela Merkel was furious about the so-called leaks concerning the meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and President Jean-Claude Juncker. What came out of the leaks was an attempt to bash. Bashing will not solve anything for Ireland. If the bully boys in Europe and England want to fight, let them, but if Ireland does not stand up and be counted, we will be in trouble.

Is there less and less democracy in Europe? Ireland had a veto on proceedings at one time but no longer does. Power is shifting away from countries. I agree with Deputy Boyd Barrett. Regardless of whether Europe likes it, the Irish people are sovereign and should have the opportunity when this so-called deal is done to decide whether it is good for our country. Rural parts of Ireland are dependent on agricultural jobs and cannot afford to lose the English market.

The Government has got Ireland included on the agenda, but getting that over the line is another matter. If a trade deal must be done, it should be done in conjunction with the other talks. Europe is playing hard ball, which is not a good idea for us. I am not worried about what the Europeans think. I am discussing Ireland Inc., and the people of this country deserve to be more than the substitute on the bench looking out at two teams playing. We must ensure that whatever deal is done is good for our country. As a nation, we should have the opportunity to decide the matter. If it is bad for us, let us show the Europeans that we will not lie down and roll over, that we will fight back and ensure we get the deal we deserve.

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