Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach to the House. He stated that as a result of Brexit, the European Union must prepare for a united Ireland. There is a severe issue between North and South because of Brexit, and it will be detrimental on both sides of the Border if there is not a good result for the UK that could lead to a positive result for Ireland. In many instances, people do not realise there are more Border crossings between the North and South of Ireland than between the European Union and all the countries to the east of it, a border ten times the size of the one between the North and South of this island. There are 30,000 people per day commuting between the North and South. There are 1 million litres of milk coming across the Border to be processed in both jurisdictions. The knock-on effect of a hard Border or any restrictions on trade or people would have a detrimental effect on the North and South. What is the Taoiseach's Department doing to ensure that not only is the European Union prepared for the eventuality of a united Ireland but that we are as well?

The other issue raised today, relating to Seanad reform, is the issue of votes for Irish citizens living in the North and those overseas. The most fundamental right of any citizen in any state is the right to vote.