Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before Covid-19, Brexit was seen as the most pressing concern facing this country. At the time, it was seen as a challenge that was potentially devastating for a number of sectors of the economy if an agreement was not reached. The withdrawal agreement was achieved, but with the current British Government it appears to be more of an opt-in and opt-out statement. Boris Johnson's Government freely admitted that it intended to break international law through the UK Internal Market Bill, which flies in the face of the withdrawal agreement. Our farmers, who were already concerned about their ability to export, have seen their concerns grow as a result of Mr. Johnson's approach. The same is the case with our hauliers, who have already been greatly impacted by Covid-19. Trade talks, which had been underpinned by the understanding contained in the withdrawal agreement and its protocol on Ireland, have been made even more difficult due to this fast and loose attitude. If Boris Johnson's Government continues to take an unreliable stance in these negotiations, the likelihood of a free trade agreement being reached is made more difficult.

There must be good faith on all sides, but we do not appear to be getting it. Mr. Johnson appears to take no notice of the preparations that are contained in the Bill us, such as the provision of healthcare regulations, employment regulations, education supports and so forth, but we do. I welcome the continued inclusion of provisions that have been made for citizens in the North and the UK to be able to access education supports. I also welcome how access to employment is included in the Bill. However, perhaps the Minister would speak on what happens if a situation arises in which these provisions are not reciprocated. We have seen the reckless attitude the British Government has adopted under Boris Johnson's leadership and how willing it is to go back on its word. Before any trade agreement is reached, I ask the Minister to assure us that all the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement are honoured. While we commit ourselves to this, let us not forget what the ultimate achievement will be and what would have made the Brexit mess less of a trauma from the start, that is, constitutional change that leads to a united Ireland.

I wish to address another issue related to the economic landscape that this Bill seeks to protect, that is, the prosperity of our country and the need for a balanced system of regional investment and development. For too long the focus has been on the capital, to the cost of all other regions. For example, the N24 connects Waterford with the west of the country. In recent years money has been spent on the stretch of the N24 that goes through Tipperary town, a notorious bottleneck. Amazingly, however, not a penny was spent on taking traffic out of the town or facilitating traffic on its way either east or west. What is required along the N24 route is a programme of removing traffic congestion from towns, not patching up bottlenecks. This would make the route of the N24 fit for purpose as a link between east and west and between airports and ports. It would make towns along the route, such as Tipperary town, proper hubs for business and industry.

The same unbalanced attitude to regional development has affected Shannon Airport, which is no longer afforded the regional importance it deserves. Brexit should be seen as an opportunity to give Shannon Airport the status of an Atlantic hub that is uniquely positioned to connect the EU and the US in a way that continental airports cannot. Our rail services must be properly organised to link with ports connected to the EU and airports connected to the US. Rural transport desperately needs to be upgraded to facilitate trade and commerce across rural Ireland. The same is the case with the post offices, which must be embraced and nurtured. If we fail to invest in our own and adopt a proper roadmap to success, what is the point of a Bill such as that before us? While the measures included in the Bill are of major importance, they must be matched by the development of a country that facilitates progress no matter where one goes.

See this speech in context