Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister of State clarify that the approach being taken by the Government is consistent with that of other EU member states in this regard? I understand the logic of it but it is a shame.

Fianna Fáil, a pro-European Union party, regrets the fact that Britain is leaving the European Union. By leaving and not retaining EU citizenship, however, it makes sense that those who are not EU citizens should not vote for EU institutions. The irony is not lost on me that there is a party here which is anti-EU but which is arguing for citizens whose country voted to leave the EU to be allowed to vote for EU institutions. Deputy Paul Murphy and his colleagues supported the Brexit campaign. With that come consequences.

I want to ensure our approach is consistent with all other EU member states and that there are no unintended consequences with regard to EU citizens living outside of the EU and Irish citizens from the North residing here in particular. There is not a universal franchise for elections in this country. Not everyone resident in this country can vote in all elections and referenda. There are categories of voters. To claim that the starting point is that everyone should have a say on absolutely everything is not actually correct and not the legal case. Will the Minister of State clarify if our approach is consistent with the approach taken by other EU member states? Certain parties here welcomed Brexit. There is a contradiction in the arguments made by Deputy Paul Murphy and his colleagues for the retention of voting rights to an institution which the citizens in question do not actually support. Even at this late stage, however, I hope that, should Britain remain in the European Union, the changes made by this Bill will be suspended and the status quowill remain.

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