Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom cúpla pointe a ardú inniu. An ceann is minice agus is tábhachtaí a bhfuilimid ag caint faoi ar na mallaibh ná ceist an Breatimeacht nó an Sasimeacht, that is, Brexit. I am sure the Leader and all other Senators have been closely following the recent decision of the Supreme Court in London on Brexit. As Senators will be aware, the North voted overwhelmingly to remain part of the European Union and for Ireland, in its entirety, to remain in the EU. There has been much discussion about the form that Brexit may or may not take and it is deeply worrying that there is still no indication of what form it will take. We are almost being held to ransom.

In recent months, Senators have taken a highly responsible approach to the issue of Brexit. While some of us have differences on the nuances and dynamics involved, we have shown a willingness to work together and stand up for the best interests of the people of Ireland. As part of that dynamic, we have discussed the economy, agriculture, the peace process, tourism and all other aspects of life on which Brexit will have an impact. I say this respectfully because I want to maintain a spirit of co-operatoin on this issue. However, the Government needs to up its game and be proactive, rather than simply awaiting the next indication that will come from Theresa May's Government. We have moved from a scenario in which we were told Brexit meant Brexit to one in which we are being told no one really knows whether it will be a hard or soft Brexit. The only thing we know is that Brexit will be bad for Ireland.

One major dynamic the Oireachtas must discuss and tease out is the core component of the Good Friday Agreement which allows for the reunification of our country. All of the parties in both Houses profess to aspire to unity. Within this climate, while we work to deal with the short to medium-term problems presented to us by Brexit, we also need to credibly and seriously begin a discussion on reunification. This should not be contentious, certainly not in this Chamber, nor should we shy away from it. Reunification should be a core component of any future programme for Government and a responsibility of any Government. In the current climate which has, ironically, been forced upon us, we have an unprecedented opportunity to engage in this national discourse and dialogue.

The issue of Irish reunification was raised in the Dáil yesterday and I hope the Government clearly heard the case that was made. Ironically, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will come to the House to make statements on the North this afternoon. I hope he will refer to the issue and that he is proactively considering it. It is certainly being considered and discussed by other European states which see the benefit and necessity of reunification given our clearly expressed political mandate to stay in the European Union, which is being actively undermined.

The Leader will be aware that two years ago both Houses agreed a motion to recognise the state of Palestine. This recognition remains outstanding and the Government's latest utterances on the issue indicate it is not in any hurry to proceed. In the current international political climate there is an onus on Ireland to stand up not only for the people of Palestine but for those who are marginalised, attacked, brutalised and facing atrocious aggression daily, wherever they may be. I am sure, given the current climate, that it appears to them that things could get much worse.