Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I support this motion and I will continue to do so as it progresses through the Dáil because it is about giving young people back the opportunities that they lost after Brexit. Regardless of what the scheme is called, whether it is the UK-EU youth experience or otherwise, it actually enables the British Labour Party to find its courage and recognise swiftly and loudly that Brexit has been an unmitigated disaster. For years, young people from the EU and Britain could easily move between countries for work, study and just to experience life somewhere new. That was normal and then Brexit came along; suddenly things that used to be straightforward became a bureaucratic nightmare. For many it is too expensive or too complicated and it is simply not worth the hassle. The proposed scheme is a chance to fix that. It would allow young people from the EU and the UK to spend time in each other's countries with fewer restrictions. For Irish people, the common travel area already covers a lot of this but it does not help everyone. There are people in Ireland who are EU nationals who grew up, studied and built their lives here but who do not have automatic rights in the UK. This scheme would open doors for them too and that could only be a positive thing. This is not just about what Ireland gets out of it. It is about making sure that young people from the UK can also come here to work and contribute to the country. Immigration should not be seen as a problem to be managed. It is an opportunity and an initiative like this allows people to start that process at a younger age. People brings skills, ideas and energy and this is about making it easier for them to do so in a fair and structured way. That said, we of course need to keep an eye on the details. For example, this scheme cannot just be for the wealthy. The last thing we need is a system where only those who can afford high visa fees or prove that they have thousands in a bank account, can get access. That is not mobility; that is just about protecting and enhancing privilege. If we are opting in - and I hope we are - we need to push for a deal that is fair for all young people, not just for those more privileged. Ireland has a long history of people leaving for work, study or a fresh start. We know the value of mobility because we have lived it as part of our story. Brexit was a bad deal for young people and while we cannot undo it, we can at least make things a bit easier. The progression of this motion is a step in the right direction. It is about keeping options open and opportunities alive and making sure that young people do not lose out because of political decisions they had no say in. As the scheme progresses I hope it strengthens and gives everyone an opportunity to travel in the way that was previously the case before the unmitigated Brexit disaster.

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