Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending today to outline the Government's preparations for what will be a seismic event for both islands. Clearly, a considerable amount of preparatory work has already been done at the front and devoted to this multifaceted challenge.

I was invited to the House of Commons last May regarding the Irish for Europe campaign. Those concerned were trying to obtain support among the Irish in the United Kingdom for the cause of remaining in the European Union. I said to them the United Kingdom did not have a history of referendums and that the Republic had a clear history, with 27 referendums effectively within 27 years. Unfortunately, the electorate sometimes votes in a referendum on a question that is different from the one put to it. It may not like the government and may have other issues. While it is water under the bridge, the referendum absolutely was the wrong mechanism to use. We are in a very dangerous position.

I was reminded that a number of supports and measures were announced in the budget this week for those affected. Senator Mac Lochlainn is correct in that mushroom growers are already going to the wall. Sandwich makers in Enniskillen are not able to compete. There is considerable uncertainty over the value of sterling. Today we hear about the Marmite emergency. One individual said that while the United Kingdom can do with immigrants being deported, there is a Marmite emergency that must stop. This is only the start of it. All the ingredients of Marmite are sourced in the United Kingdom. Seemingly, Unilever wanted to put up the price and now one cannot get Marmite in Tesco stores. I am alarmed that this is the first time that people are beginning to take the matter seriously. Effectively, we are sleepwalking our way into a very dangerous situation. This farce of a Marmite emergency is drawing attention to the matter. It just tells us that we are in a very dangerous zone. We need all governments and the European Union to try to retrace our steps out of this crisis. I welcome the many supports provided for farmers, all of whom are worried about the implications of Brexit. The farming and agricultural community is going through a very challenging time, with lower prices internationally and adverse weather conditions. We simply do not know at this stage what will be the terms and conditions of Britain's departure from the EU. However, as the Minister for Finance noted in his Budget Statement, we do know Brexit has increased the risks to the Irish economy. There really are no winners out of this for our country, notwithstanding the opportunities that may present. Having said that, we must be to the forefront in seeking to avail of any such opportunities. For example, the European Medicines Agency, which provides 900 top-quality jobs, has indicated that it intends to move out of its Canary Wharf location. I hope those jobs come to Ireland - specifically, to my constituency in the north west. I am encouraged that many companies might look to the Republic of Ireland or the island of Ireland as a bridgehead to Europe. However, we must work hard if we are to realise any advantage in that regard.

On the question of a broader debate involving the public and interest groups, I am looking forward to the all-Ireland civic dialogue on Brexit, which takes place next month. It will give us an opportunity to discuss the key areas of concern, such as the economy and trade, the common travel area, the Border and the future of EU peace process funding. We have been guilty of treating our relationship with Northern Ireland and with the United Kingdom very casually, including the €1 billion of goods traded between the two countries every week and the hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by that trade. Following the Queen's visit to Ireland in 2011, we set up the first British Irish Chamber of Commerce. That ease of trade was something we took for granted. Now we are in a situation where we must review all aspects of our relationship with Northern Ireland and the relationship of this island with Britain, Europe and the world. Everything should be on the table to ensure we work together effectively to lessen the severity of the impact of Brexit as much as possible.

I thank the Minister for the work she is doing. I thank, too, my colleagues across the floor for coming up with proposals and solutions. We have a long journey ahead and we must work together to lessen the impact of the UK's departure from the Union.