Ian Marshall (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman. I welcome the Tánaiste to the House.

Unfortunately, time is running out and everybody is acutely aware that the clock is running. The huge chunk of time everyone felt we had is disappearing rapidly. The industry I come from and represent has studied and examined all the possible outcomes and solutions and the findings clearly indicate the agrifood industry will be disadvantaged or be in an undoubtedly worse position than if the United Kingdom remained in the European Union. There is some concern over the misunderstanding of some of the terms, one being "free trade agreement applies", the implication being that it does what it says on the tin. Actually, a free trade agreement is not that straightforward. It is a matter of inefficiencies and costs to businesses. There are huge concerns over an arrangement such as a free trade agreement.

Traditional arrangements and agreements are fine in the interim but very often prolong the uncertainty. Uncertainty is not good for businesses or industry and it results in an inability to plan for the future and invest, resulting in stagnation. That is a significant concern. As much as I am reassured that a Brexit-ready Ireland is a reality, I am seriously concerned that only 20% of businesses have engaged in or been proactive in considering their future outside the European Union. I am a glass-half-full person but it still means that 80% of businesses have not considered this. That is a concern.

I have concerns over the optics of the discussions and their current position. The reality is that a message is being peddled by the popular press, both on the mainland and in Northern Ireland, that the position in Dublin and of the Irish Government is to fight against the United Kingdom and to try to be disruptive and create blockages and reasons deals cannot be struck. I would like the public to hear the truth that the Irish Government and European Union are working to try to solve problems. I do not believe Brexit should happen. I have strong opinions on that. I firmly believe that the message needs to be sent out that Ireland is working with the European Union and the United Kingdom to try to deliver some solutions.

Reference was made to the Border. A point was made that British politicians do not really understand the implications and significance of a border for businesses on both sides, across northern and southern Ireland. In all the discussions on the Border, everybody keeps referring to all the problems, and we go around in circles doing so. If we know the problems, we need to determine the solutions. I do not believe the solutions exist. We need to be open and transparent and man up to the fact that, at the minute, technology cannot deliver solutions for the Border.