Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions. We often discuss the solidarity of the 26 member states and how important that has been throughout the negotiations, but the solidarity in this House, the Lower House and throughout Ireland has been particularly important in addressing the Brexit challenge and that has been clearly demonstrated in today’s contributions. The Government has faced the tough task of responding to Brexit with the welcome support of this House for the priority issues we have placed at the centre of our negotiating strategy. Although Members may have different views and approach issues in a different way or with a different emphasis, the priorities that the Government has pursued have been supported across both Houses. This informed and thoughtful debate is consistent with that approach. It again demonstrates the unity that has helped us to get through the negotiations and reach where we are today. We will continue to regularly inform the House about developments in the negotiations and related events.

Brexit presents us with unique and unprecedented challenges. As the Taoiseach has stressed many times, it is not a policy we sought and we regret that it is happening. However, we accept the decision of the British people and are committed to working towards an outcome that protects our interests. The negotiations on the draft withdrawal agreement have been difficult for us all, but it represents the best way forward. It is by no means perfect, but it represents an important compromise on both sides and ensures that the key interests of the EU and the UK are addressed. Brexit was never going to be straightforward or easy. That became increasingly clear as the negotiations went on. It comes at a considerable cost to us all.

It is important for us all - citizens, enterprises and our international partners - that the UK withdrawal happens in an orderly manner. The withdrawal agreement provides the best and only way to achieve that. No one would benefit from a hard Brexit and the serious consequences it would have for the UK, the EU and Ireland. Under the withdrawal agreement we can rely on a transition period which will provide certainty for citizens and business as we prepare for a new relationship with the UK outside the EU. Importantly, it gives us the time we need to negotiate a deep and comprehensive agreement which will provide the foundations on which we will build our future relationship.

The draft withdrawal agreement plays an essential role in protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process in Northern Ireland. We have worked closely with our EU partners in that regard and they have stood firm and united behind us. They understand the importance of an open and invisible border such as that which currently exists between Ireland and Northern Ireland. In fairness to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May, she understands that absolutely and has delivered on her word. We need to support her in the coming weeks in the hope that the deal will be delivered.

I have accompanied several European Ministers and other colleagues to the Border region and witnessed the impact on our EU partners of the stories of ordinary people who just want to get on with their lives and want us to find practical solutions to the challenges of Brexit. That attitude is reflected in statements by groups across both communities in the North, including business communities and the farming groups, who see the agreement as the best deal for Northern Ireland, the UK and the EU.

The backstop provisions provide an important insurance policy to avoid a return to any kind of a border on this island. If invoked, they will apply unless and until another agreement is in place which addresses the issue. We are committed to working closely with the UK and our EU partners to agree a deep, comprehensive and strong future relationship between the UK and the EU, which would mean that the backstop provision will never be needed. We hope that will always be the case.

The rights, safeguards and guarantees of equality of opportunity set out in the Good Friday Agreement are protected under the agreement, as are the EU citizenship rights of the people of Northern Ireland. The agreement acknowledges the common travel area whereby Irish and British people can live, work, study and access different services in both jurisdictions. Nothing in the agreement would prejudice the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and the principle of consent as set out in the agreement, which is vital.The withdrawal agreement is a significant step, but it is only just a step in what has been a very long and difficult process. We still have a long way to go, but it sets us on the path we want to be on.

The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union has very serious implications for Ireland. As I said, the Government will continue to do intensive work to try to prepare for all eventualities which include a no-deal scenario to try to make sure we will be ready and that business will be ready and prepared. Departments and State agencies are continuing to develop and roll out action plans. We are actively engaging with the European Commission which has published various papers focusing on some of the key areas such as financial services, aviation, data protection, fisheries and many others. The Government will continue to support the agencies, businesses, farmers and all sectors affected by the change.

We need to maintain a strong and constructive bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom. We are fully committed to developing and enhancing the relationship we have built up over many years. It will include making full use of the channels already available for ongoing dialogue and co-operation between the Irish and British Governments. We will explore other avenues to try to maintain the habit of co-operation through the regular meetings of Irish and UK Government Ministers in Brussels but also elsewhere in Europe on a range of EU matters. Ireland will also work for the closest possible future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom. Mindful of our own obligations, we will remain a members of the European Union, the Single Market and the customs union and must ensure any future relationship will protect both of them as they form a core part of our economic strategy.

The European Union has shown extraordinary solidarity in this crisis, something many people did not think would be the case. We have shown solidarity and unity of purpose which will be needed as we work together into the future to develop the new relationship with our neighbours in the United Kingdom. The European Union is not perfect. I take into account some of the comments made. In moving forward we have to try to address many of the concerns raised throughout the entire discussion. Shortly after the Brexit negotiations EU leaders met to talk about what had happened and why people had voted to leave a union that had done so much good for so many. In moving forward in the discussion on the future of Europe which we have started we need to be able to address these questions and make sure the European Union will continue to be relevant in people's everyday lives. As the Taoiseach indicated yesterday in his statement to the Dáil, there can be no better example of the advantages of European membership for a small country. Alone Ireland is small. However, with our EU partners, we are very strong. Ireland's place will remain at the heart of a European home we have helped to build.

I thank everyone for his or her support and solidarity and commend the motion to the House.