Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the report by the House of Lords on the implications of Brexit. It is fascinating that this report was simultaneously announced in Dublin and the UK. The report argues that the British political establishment misunderstands the nature of free trade and overstates the negotiating position of the UK. The report also argues that it is a huge challenge for Ireland, the peace process and the special nature of UK-Irish relations.

We must welcome this report and thank the committee for being as generous as it was. It has looked for bilateral talks with the Irish Government. I do not think this can be done on a formal basis but they certainly need to be agreed by the EU. We have come a long way in the past 40 years and can now have open debate, dialogue and conversations in this report. I agree with Senator Craughwell. This House should do a lot more in forging relationships with all the Parliaments on the islands of Ireland and Great Britain because we have done so through the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. It is generous, open and the way forward. Once again, we must ensure that there is a special solution for the special nature of UK-Irish relations.