Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his work on Brexit to date. Unlike most other Deputies, I could observe Brexit from a Brussels perspective. As an Irish MEP I considered, like others, that we were well-represented. Of course, things have moved on. In recent times, Brexit has somewhat disappeared from the radar because of Covid-19. In a way, it is like the coronavirus in that it is still lurking in the background, but hiding in plain sight, as it were.

Now that Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street, we can have some hope that there will be some real progress and not a continuation of the current incessant foot dragging. In this context we need to continue the pressure for an extension of the negotiating period. Covid-19 could be seen as a kind of force majeure, a good enough reason to seek and agree to an extension. Right now it seems to me as if the current trajectory will drive us straight into a brick wall. As the Taoiseach said, there will be another round of talks next week, and it is do or die as June is just around the corner. I agree with Deputy Howlin. It is at that point now.

Another issue of real concern is that the UK has not made its negotiating position public. The EU has committed to transparency. This mismatch creates its own difficulties. Commissioner Hogan spoke this morning on radio of the slow progress the UK is making in seeking to play Covid-19 for any negative outcome on Brexit. He spoke of the UK as still trying to divide and conquer and to move over the heads of the European Commission. He also said, however, that Mr. Barnier, following a meeting with the EU ambassador, said that is not working. Commissioner Hogan's assessment, therefore, while quite bleak, is probably fairly accurate.

The Tánaiste in his speech mentioned not just a level playing field but a strong level playing field, yet all we hear from the negotiations is that the UK is still attempting to cherry-pick. It is looking at some of the deals already in place - the Canadian trade deal, the Korean trade deal, the Japanese trade deal and others - and trying to pick the bits and pieces that suit it. This approach, as we all know, is a disaster because it prevents any real progress from being made and brings us to the brink.

As other Deputies have said, we have to remain steadfast and resolute. The Tánaiste knows, I know, we all know how crucial it is that the EU continues to maintain a fully united front, and I expect that will continue. I was heartened to hear the Tánaiste's absolute commitment to the Irish protocol - I know he helped negotiated it - but because of the reckless position of the UK, it cannot be restated often enough. He also mentioned he had a conversation with Michel Barnier about the land bridge. I will come back to that during the questions and answers, but it is a crucial route to the EU market, to which we will have full access, and we must absolutely ensure that it remains open and functions effectively.

I wish to mention the huge concerns we all share about agriculture and food production. As we know, 40% of our food exports go to the UK, and the threat to farming and food production is simply enormous for all regions, but perhaps even more so for the Border region. Again, I will come back to that during the questions and answers.

Like Covid-19, there are no easy answers to Brexit, but we have to negotiate Brexit with our EU partners and minimise any negative outcomes for this island, which is simply an island behind an island off the coast of Europe.

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