Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Since the referendum result became clear, Sinn Féin has been unequivocal in stating Brexit presents the most serious social, political and economic threat to our island in a generation. We have been crystal clear in stating the Government's approach to the negotiations had to be guided by an appreciation of the fact that the majority in the North voted to remain in the EU. That view must be recognised and needs to be respected. We put the case for special status that takes cognisance of the unique circumstances that present themselves on our island. As has been well rehearsed, that means no return to a hard border, the protection of citizens' rights and the protection and upholding of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts.

Yesterday's deal is not perfect. It is not even a good one if one accepts that Brexit, in whatever guise, is bad. It is bad for everyone. It is bad for Ireland, Britain and the EU, and we accept that. There is no such thing as a good Brexit. Brexit is bad for our island, whatever the circumstances or deal on the table. Having said that, I acknowledge that the deal agreed and approved by the British Cabinet yesterday is one that mitigates the worst aspects of Brexit.

There are issues we need to iron out in the time ahead and that need to be clarified. Some of those can be addressed by the Government and Houses of the Oireachtas, particularly the issues of rights and representation. We will return to these in due course. I believe some of these concerns were raised with the Tánaiste this morning by my party's vice president, Ms Michelle O'Neill, as part of a delegation of parties presenting the pro-remain majority in the North. I do not want to labour this point but it is worth saying that the four parties the Taoiseach and Tánaiste met this morning represent the majority view of citizens in the North; the DUP does not. Over the past 48 hours, DUP representatives have been using the most incendiary, brash and ostentatious rhetoric, which is not helpful. It is absolutely reckless and irresponsible.

Ordinary citizens in the North, be they republican, nationalist, unionist or otherwise, recognise Brexit is not good, and they want a deal that protects their livelihoods and futures. This is not an orange or green issue. When we speak, we speak for the majority on a cross-community basis, not for narrow, ill-founded interests. We made that point to the British Prime Minister last night during the course of a telephone call with her. During that conversation, she said the advice of the British Attorney General in respect of the withdrawal agreement would be made available to the House of Commons before the so-called meaningful vote. I presume the Tánaiste will have access to advice on the Irish protocol, whether from our own Attorney General or the European Commission. Will he publish that or a summary of what it would be appropriate to publish so Members of this House can have the fullest possible picture and legal certainty regarding what is on the table prior to any vote?

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