Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Here we are, passing emergency legislation in the Dáil arising from Brexit. After the referendum on 23 June 2016, I said in the Dáil, as many others said at the time, that it would be an awful shame that so much time and effort has to be given by Government and Opposition, and by public administration generally, to dealing with the fallout from Brexit, and so it has come to pass. With 31 days to go to 29 March, we have 11 Dáil sitting days left. I suggest this legislation has come to us a little late but we will scrutinise it as best we can. It was only published last Friday and is very complex legislation, so all credit to the civil servants who prepared it across many Departments. We now have to do it justice.

In regard to the withdrawal agreement, we are hoping Westminster will pass it in time. I am not sure what the other options are or if there is a possibility of a new deal between the EU and the UK involving a legally binding codicil in respect of the Irish backstop. Obviously, a new deal would need the agreement of the European Commission. There is also the possibility of an extension of Article 50 and now, into the mix, the British Labour Party has thrown the possibility of another public vote.

It is worth stating again that the political stability in the Republic of Ireland at this time should not be taken for granted arising from the confidence and supply agreement by Fianna Fáil to facilitate this Government. I am not sure everybody gets the immediate threat to jobs, to living standards and to the public finances arising from Brexit. I think the effects will be seen immediately. People's standards of living are under threat and people need to realise this. At least the Dáil is sitting this week to pass this emergency legislation. The Dáil has not been dissolved, which I believe most people will appreciate.

The Brexit omnibus Bill has 15 Parts and involves nine Departments. It aims to secure the provisions in respect of the common travel area, maintain existing arrangements and deal with immediate issues to ensure continuity generally. I hope no new measures are being slipped into it. We need assurances in that regard. I note that the Minister has stated two amendments were approved by the Cabinet today. We need full openness on the Bill and no suggestions measures are being slipped into it about which we know nothing.

The Bill deals with health issues, in particular the cross-Border directive and the treatment abroad scheme, which is to be welcomed. It also deals with the Industrial Development Acts and the remit of Enterprise Ireland, which is also welcome.

There are provisions covering the single electricity market. They are only precautionary and it is hoped they will not be needed.

Provisions are included for the continuance of Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, grants under the heading of education. That is a practical measure which students will appreciate.

The Minister has outlined all of the financial provisions included in the Bill. The VAT deferral item is of particular concern and will be welcomed as part of the Bill.

There are provisions covering transport, the Harbours Act 2015 and ports. I am that glad buses and trains will also continue to travel across the Border.

Citizens will appreciate the social welfare provisions and the assurance that benefits will continue to be paid.

There are many complex provisions covering justice issues, including extradition, warrants, immigration, the common travel area, visas and fingerprints, etc. Those with an interest in justice issues will appreciate all of these provisions.

This legislation is not the be all and end all in dealing with Brexit, Therefore, we need to be kept informed on all of the other measures the Government is taking, as well as the issues that come within the competency of the European Union. There has been mention of 20 statutory instruments being implemented. As other speakers stated, we need more information on the additional measures being taken, particularly in the SME and agriculture sectors. I am glad that the Minister is here, as I want to raise the issue of contingency planning at Dublin Port which is in his constituency in the event that there is a no-deal Brexit. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is examining the possibility of allowing lorries to park in one of the long-stay car parks at Dublin Airport to avoid traffic jams at Dublin Port. In the event that there is a no-deal Brexit, it is envisaged congestion on the M1 and the M50 and in the Dublin Port tunnel is a real possibility arising from delays at customs. The suggestion is the Dublin Port Tunnel may have to be closed and that alternative routes will have to be used by trucks to avoid congestion. That would be of real concern for Dubliners, including my constituents. If the Dublin Port tunnel was to be closed for any length of time, the whole city would snarl up. To the best of my knowledge, it happened last Monday. The Minister, the Department and Transport Infrastructure Ireland which manages the Dublin Port tunnel will have to give this issue serious consideration. The one thing that will immediately annoy people in the event that there is a no-deal Brexit is traffic chaos in the city and leading into the port. I hope all of the interested parties are dealing with that matter and preparing for it.

With reference to Northern Ireland, it is good to see that business and farming interests are making their voices heard on how they will be affected by Brexit. It is unfortunate, however, that politics in Northern Ireland has become polarised, as we have seen in recent elections. I was interested in the comments of the leader of the SDLP, Colum Eastwood, at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis. He said there was a special place in hell for those calling for a Border poll at this volatile time. It would be counterproductive to throw it into the mix now. Moderate voices need to express that view in a very forceful way. I have also spoken in the House before about the deterioration in Anglo-Irish relations arising from Brexit. Other speakers have also mentioned the issue. The peace process brought to an end 800 years of hostile relations and imperial oppression, as some like to refer to it. We have come a long way from the Good Friday Agreement. A lot of work will have to be done by the Government, all of us in the House, all other Members of the Oireachtas and our colleagues across the water to restore good harmonious relations which are in the interests of all citizens. There are many connections between our two peoples, about which we need to be concerned.

I have some concerns about our level of preparedness for Brexit at this stage. My colleague Deputy McConalogue mentioned recruiting Customs officers and veterinary inspectors, about which there is confusion as to whether we are doing what we need to do to fulfil previous commitments on the timely recruitment of these personnel. We also need more details on the provision of State aid for particular sectors of the economy, including SMEs and the agriculture sector.

I refer to the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament in May. Deputy Shortall spoke about the need for voices of reason at this time, as we have witnessed a rise of populism and the hard right, in particular. Citizens need to give serious consideration to the people whom they elect to the European Parliament. We need to ensure the European Union will function effectively for all those of us who subscribe to its liberal democratic values.

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