David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We look forward to furnishing the Ceann Comhairle with that information.

We are 24 days from D-Day. Two years ago when the negotiations started, nobody expected us to be signing off on emergency legislation that we hope will never come into effect. I still think a crash-out Brexit is the least likely outcome, but it is a possibility that would have devastating consequences for the island of Ireland. I hope there will be something better and that we can arrive at an arrangement with Britain under which it can stay as much as possible in the customs union and the Single Market. We have always said that is the best way to resolve the issues for Ireland. It would prevent a land border and a border in the Irish Sea. That is the best way to protect the interests of people in Britain and Ireland, but that is now a matter for the British Prime Minister in considering her red lines.

We sought to strengthen the Bill, but many of our amendments were ruled out of order. I do not believe enough has been done to support businesses. While many of the provisions in this Bill are necessary, they do not go far enough. Much more needs to be done. The EU needs to do more to ease state aid rules. Bespoke solutions are needed. The EU should make additional funding available to address the real and unique challenges the Irish economy will face as a consequence of Brexit.

It is not unreasonable to plan for a united Ireland at any time. It is reasonable to plan for it and to set about the challenges and opportunities it presents. I dispute the Tánaiste's assertion that it is unreasonable at any time to plan for Irish unity. I agree that dealing with the issue of political representation for people in the North in the European Parliament is complicated. Brexit is complicated as well. It has presented challenges which have been overcome. The negotiation of the withdrawal agreement was complicated. All of these issues are complicated, but they can be worked out and resolved if the political will exists. It strikes me that the political will to deal satisfactorily with the political rights of citizens in the North does not exist within the Irish Government.

We have supported the passage of this Bill. It will move into the Seanad. We will co-operate in the same way in the Seanad that we have done in this House. This legislation represents no more than the bare bones of what is necessary. Let us hope that this Bill never has to come into effect, and let us hope we get a better solution that leads to a softer Brexit, which would be better for the people of Ireland and, I would argue, better for the people of Britain.

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