Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le gach duine a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht seo inniu. Tá sé an-tábhachtach go bhfuilimid go léir aontaithe maidir leis an mBreatimeacht agus gabhaimid buíochas leis an bhFreasúra as an gcomhoibriú atá déanta acu anseo.

I would like to express my thanks to all parties, including the Opposition parties, and Ministers who have co-operated on and contributed to what is an important Bill that is very much in the national interest. I accept all of the contributions that have been made. We divided on an issue which is of national import rather than on the overall international Brexit situation, but I appreciate the sentiments expressed by Deputies. I would emphasise that we appreciate the united approach to being taken in the House on Brexit.

The Bill is necessary, deal or no deal, and the most important message that should come out of this debate to our citizens, businesses and the British people is that whatever happens in terms of a deal in the negotiations – we wish our negotiators well – there will be significant changes when the transition period ends. I strongly encourage people who are affected by Brexit, in particular businesses, to access resources at gov.ie, and the financial supports available.

I want to thank Members for their co-operation. We will go to the Seanad and consider any amendments that are put forward there. It is very important that the Bill has been passed as quickly as possible. We will consider timetables before Christmas in terms of what happens in the Seanad. I thank Deputies for the debate and the continued united approach in the House on the Brexit issue.

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