Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and welcome him to the House.

Fianna Fáil supports this legislation, which implements the independent commission's recommendations on new boundaries for EU Parliament elections and increases Ireland's representation from 11 to 13 MEPs due to the redistribution of the UK's seats. These additional seats may be subject to a freeze in the case that Article 50 is extended and Britain temporarily remains in the EU. It is frustrating to be making statements in the uncertainty that Brexit has presented us with.

While a minor aspect of the overall Brexit issue, the seat redistribution raises legal questions. It is not legally possible to give Northern Ireland two additional seats under the distribution of the UKs seats. Ireland must have a strong voice in the reshaping of the internal EU Parliament system. The EU Parliament has grown in importance over the past decade. It is vital that we are present in the debate and that we have a vibrant and engaged debate in the upcoming election and select a strong team to represent Irish interests in the only directly elected EU institution. Sinn Féin cynically claimed Northern Ireland should be allocated seats but this is not legally possible.