Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to get in a few words in this timely debate. As Deputies are aware, there is a lot at stake at present in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. It is clear that the protocol and the legacy issues are all currently being discussed.

All of us need to work extremely hard together and be united in ensuring that we maintain peace and protect the Good Friday Agreement. Brexit was a fierce disappointment which upset the harmony that existed between Ireland and England. Being nearest neighbours, Ireland and England benefited from that but, sadly, Brexit was Britain's decision and the route that was taken. It is having an effect on our economy and the work we do. There are severe delays and losses in bringing goods and services back and forth between Ireland and England.

We certainly need to get the Stormont Assembly and the other institutions up and running again. Following the recent election, the unionists are not happy campers. We need to bring them along and ensure we do not go back to the rancour we had in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. We need the people in the North to work and we must allow them to do their work like any normal people. We need to ensure the survivors and victims get satisfaction and not the amnesty being proposed by England. We all need to thank Representative Richard Neal and the US delegation for taking an interest by visiting us yesterday and going up to the North today. He is doing whatever he can to ensure the Good Friday Agreement and all the institutions are kept in place.

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