Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the opportunity to take part in this debate. As we all know, the New Decade, New Approach agreement was signed in January of last year and it was to bring a lot of hope and opportunity to the people of the North of Ireland. Nobody could have predicted then the great difficulties we were about to and continue to face. At the time, we had Brexit looming large and today it is on our doorstep creating much difficulty for people and businesses on both sides of the Border.

Unfortunately, what the Covid pandemic has shown us is that the deep divisions in the North are as strong as ever. We have seen over the past 12 months those divisions played out in public as the island struggled to come to terms with both Brexit and the Covid pandemic. My view on this is that spoken words are the easy option when what is needed is real work and action on the ground. There have been many words spoken and promises made but, in reality, little has changed and very little action has been taken.

During the Covid pandemic, I have constantly called for an all-island approach. Before Christmas, when the incidence figures in the North were among the highest in the world, I called for the closure of the Border for all but essential workers and travel. It was no coincidence that the rate of infection in counties along the Border went through the roof. It was clear at the time that the approach being taken on both sides of the Border was different and was leading to very different outcomes. Only a couple of weeks ago, when we introduced additional powers to allow the Garda to stop those crossing the Border for all but essential reasons, it was noted that the PSNI was not doing the same on its side of the Border. In Dundalk, it was quite clear from the amount of Northern Ireland-registered cars driving through the town centre that the 5 km rule was not being observed.

On related matters, I praise the Northern authorities on the speed at which they are now administering the coronavirus vaccine. This has been a credit to them and put in perspective our cumbersome approach on this side of the Border.

Another matter I would like to raise is the reported legal challenge that the DUP and other unionists are making to the Northern Ireland protocol in the EU-UK Brexit deal. It is reported that they will make a two-pronged legal and political attack on the protocol. It is understood that the DUP's five-point plan includes a boycott of the North-South ministerial engagements on issues relating to disputed trading arrangements as well as an online petition which has secured the party's parliamentary debate on the protocol. No doubt this legal action will create even more political division in the North and raise tensions. I would like to know if the Government has spoken to its UK counterpart in respect of this matter. The Government should be making the point that in order for Brexit to work for everyone, we need to put politics aside and deal with issues in economic, social and practical contexts.

In the New Decade, New Approach agreement, reference is made to a number of the commitments given. There are two that I wish to raise here. The first relates to the funding for the A5. The Government has pledged £75 million for this project. I would like to know if that funding is still earmarked for the project. If it is not, can we secure a commitment that these funds can be used for other projects instead, include that relating to the Ardee bypass. The second matter I wish raise relates to Casement Park. Under the agreement, a commitment was given that funds would be set aside to develop the grounds there. As chairman of the Louth County Board, like other GAA people I am sad to see the decline of these grounds. Can we get clarity on these issues?

Finally, I would like to discuss the issue of third level education and the potential difficulties many of our students will face when they attempt to enrol in courses in Northern Ireland and the UK. Can the Government confirm that it has discuss this matter with the UK Government and that arrangements are in place to facilitate seamless application for students on both sides of the Border to attend third level facilities such as Dundalk Institute of Technology?

The New Decade, New Approach agreement contains many promises but, unfortunately, there has been a failure to deliver these. We all look forward to a day when politics, particularly north of the Border, can be more inclusive and when those involved can work for the betterment of those on all sides of the community.

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