Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It appears that agreement has been reached on a Brexit divorce bill of between €40 billion and €50 billion. We are told agreement has also largely been reached on citizenship issues. It seems, therefore, that two of the three phase 1 issues are approaching resolution and that only the Irish question remains to be decided. All we hear on that issue are generalities such as "seamless borders", "frictionless borders" and "technology solutions". Such phrases have popped up again and again, but they have little real meaning. During a ridiculous interview that he gave last night Iain Duncan Smith said there was a great deal of showboating. It is clear that significant efforts are being made by some to downplay the Irish issue. It is also clear that the Conservative Party in Britain, unsurprisingly, continues to have a very weak understanding of the Irish Border issue.

All Members understand there is a trade aspect to the Border, but many have expressed concerns that if things are allowed to advance to phase 2 without meaningful and clear commitments on the Irish question, we will lose our leverage. France, Germany and others have clearly prioritised the divorce bill and the rights of citizens. Now that these issues are close to being resolved, Irish concerns might be brushed aside. Technically, there is no veto during these talks as under law decisions will be made by qualified majority vote. We also know that the EU27 have so far indicated that Ireland will be allowed to hold what amounts to a veto on these matters. However, if that is the case, the Taoiseach must make a moral rather than a legal argument in order to hold the EU27 together and he will not be prepared to do so. When faced with implacable opposition, however, he will need to stand firm and not blink.

There is to be a Brexit stakeholder forum meeting tomorrow morning and there are valuable opportunities for perspectives to be shared. At this juncture, there is a need for a collective political effort. For months I have been asking the Taoiseach to brief Opposition leaders in detail in advance of European Council meetings and I reiterate that request today. When approaching a meeting as crucial as this one, Deputies of all parties and none should come together to show the EU27 that we stand united together in the interests of the nation. Will the Taoiseach reassure the House that he is willing to deploy what would, in effect, be a veto if meaningful progress to his satisfaction is not achieved on the Irish issue at the next European Council meeting? Will he agree to meet the leaders of all parties to share his plans on a confidential basis and discuss how each of them might assist by directly lobbying our sister parties and organisations throughout Europe to support what is a vital Irish position?

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