Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome everyone back to the Seanad for this term. I wish to mention briefly the issue of Brexit and note the Taoiseach will come to the House tomorrow to address Members, which I greatly welcome. I ask the Leader to bring forward to him my concerns on Brexit, which I will outline briefly. Last week, as did many other Members, I attended a symposium organised by the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl, and found it to be highly informative. Many expert speakers were there on the day to give their opinions on the uncertainty that exists and which unfortunately will continue to exist for some time to come. The Leader should bring three points to the Taoiseach's attention. First, it is of vital importance to appoint a senior Minister to oversee the entire Brexit process. It is a serious issue that will have major implications for the future of the country. Second, the Leader should communicate to the Taoiseach that at any negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, the Taoiseach should insist on the presence of the aforementioned Minister to co-ordinate everything that needs to be co-ordinated across all agencies and Departments. Finally, I ask the Leader to mention to the Taoiseach that everyone agrees no country is more affected by the Brexit vote than is Ireland and on a more micro level, no part of this country is more affected by the Brexit vote than the Border counties from Donegal to Louth. Consequently, I ask that these counties be given special consideration in any future negotiations that take place.