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

Aontaím leis an méid a bhí le rá ag an Teachta Breathnach faoi thuaisceart Chontae an Lú.

Last week, representatives of local authorities across the Border area met in County Fermanagh where the findings of an Ulster University report on the impact of Brexit on Border areas were presented. Not surprisingly, the report stated some of the weakest economies on the island of Ireland were along the Border and, therefore, required the most protection against the negative impacts of Brexit. Furthermore, it made reference to the fact that, in 2015, almost 1 million cross-Border journeys had been made every week to access work, education and other services. Unfortunately, the impact of Brexit is already glaringly obvious, particularly in the agrifood sector. Due to the weakening of sterling in the wake of the Brexit vote, agrifood sector exports were estimated to be €570 million less than they would have been in 2016 and beef farmers alone had taken a hit of €150 million. These figures are staggering considering the fact Brexit has not officially happened yet, but it does give us an insight into the severity of what is to come. Things are only going to get worse, with tariff barriers, Border checks and other regulatory changes that will have a devastating effect on the sector.

In my county of Monaghan, the mushroom sector is vital. Britain and the North of Ireland account for 90% of the value of Irish exports in this sector, at over €80 million. A number of months back I referred in this House to the fact the mushroom sector was worth €180 million a year to the economy and employed 3,500 people across rural Ireland. Regrettably, I also had to record the fact that at least 10% of Irish mushroom producers had closed down since the referendum on Brexit. Needless to say, I continue to have real concerns that this percentage will increase and that many hundreds of people will be left unemployed. The same situation presents for the pigmeat and poultry sectors which have enjoyed significant bilateral trade, North and South and between these islands. All sections of the agrifood sector are in crisis mode.

Sinn Féin has been continuously stating a North of Ireland exit from the European Union will harden the divisions between the North and the South, with the potential for the reintroduction of customs check points, trading tariffs and adverse knock-on effects for all-island economic activity and co-operation. The only way to avoid the further deterioration of the situation and to try to reduce the overall negative impact of Brexit is for special designated status to be granted to the North wheret he majority voted to remain. They should not be pulled out of the European Union against their will. In addition, it is in all our interests to ensure special designation is granted. The majority of Members of this House agree, as does the European Parliament. While we, of course, welcome the provision for the North to resume EU status following a successful Irish unity vote, the Government must try to abate the serious repercussions for all-island economic integration and cross-Border trade, particularly the services, manufacturing, farming and agrifood sectors; ensure the North will remain within the European Union and that, as a country and an island people, we get the very best deal possible.

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