Seanad debates

Thursday, 13 July 2017

10:30 am

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In light of the excellent report prepared by the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union over the course of 50 meetings, it would be worthwhile for the Seanad to follow up with meetings with the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Northern Ireland Assembly, which I hope will be established at that stage. These meetings could help both Parliaments develop a joint approach. The two Houses of Parliament and the Assembly could meet jointly with the Seanad, whether in Armagh or some other location, to discuss the effects of Brexit, because it is a very important issue. I ask the Leader to request that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit negotiations, Deputy Simon Coveney, come here early in the autumn to update the Seanad in respect of the negotiations between Michel Barnier and David Davis, the Member of Parliament representing the British Government in the negotiations.

One would have to be concerned that the British Government is introducing what is being described as a great reform Bill to the House of Commons before the negotiations are completed. The negotiations are just under way and bringing forward the Bill in advance of an exit is pre-empting the discussions . If anyone had any doubt that the exit will happen, when this reform Bill is passed there will be no going back. In the meantime, the United Kingdom is benefitting from the European Union agreement with Japan, from the EU-Canada comprehensive economic and trade agreement , CETA, and from the EU's relationship with the United States even though it is arranging bilateral meetings with Donald Trump and so on. It is all somewhat confusing.

I am delighted that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has been given this special responsibility and is being supported by the Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, who was here yesterday. From our point of view I would suggest he establish a centre in Ireland dedicated to the Brexit situation, especially in light of the threats to €1.2 billion a week in trade and the 500 km open border. People would know that there was a dedicated team of high-powered civil servants. I feel that former taoisigh like Enda Kenny, John Bruton, Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern would be supportive. They would be the four horsemen of the apocalypse. They would work with the Government in order to support it. There would be very qualified envoys involved.

The new Taoiseach, Deputy Leo Varadkar, should go on a tour of the capitals over the summer months to acquaint other leaders of the situation. I have just returned from a meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union, COSAC, in Estonia and Brexit was not really on the agenda. It was not of great concern to Estonia and other countries throughout Europe. We have to keep focusing on the issue and I put the focus on it at the meeting. I said that it must be discussed at the November COSAC meeting in Tallinn. If people representing Ireland were not at all these meetings Brexit would play second fiddle to all other issues.

I commend the Seanad committee, including Neale Richmond, the Chairman, and all the Members who participated. It is an excellent report and is worth selling. I propose that the document be circulated to all parliaments and European committees. It is not a big effort but it should be sent to each committee and to the parliaments of each of the 26 countries.

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