Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin appreciates the that Government is doing its best in its dealings with the Tory Government in the UK. My party had the same experience and we understand how difficult it can be to deal with a Tory Government. What is needed is a flow of information and the application of maximum pressure in the interests of Irish citizens, both those living on this island and the millions living in Britain.

The Minister of State may have attended the presentation on Irish passports in the audiovisual room earlier. We are conscious of the large numbers of people applying for passports because ordinary citizens are fearful of the potential consequences of Brexit. The Government has a job to do and we must raise the bar in this regard in order to reassure people that their rights will be protected.

We spoke about the issue of agriculture and cross-Border trade. We must also bear in mind the trade in agricultural produce across the Irish Sea. Substantial amounts of agricultural produce are exported to our nearest neighbour, which is our largest market. Despite this, we have not secured any assurances about what will happen in respect of this trade. Many exporters are extremely concerned about the possible outcome of Brexit. Many companies that export to continental Europe transport goods across Britain and we have not been given any assurances on this trade.

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