Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to Senator McDowell's comments, I do not know what the obvious next steps are and I doubt that anybody does. The person who really does not know what they are is Theresa May, nor do any members of her Government or any of the Members of Parliament in Westminster. I could probably spend 45 minutes discussing what might happen later today or tomorrow, whether they will vote against a no-deal Brexit or if there will be an extension. Ultimately, however, our responsibility is to this island, to pass this legislation and to continue our ratification process.

I believe EU reform is needed but the Senator and I have a difference of opinion on where the EU should go, and we have shared many platforms. Ultimately, the EU must reform to stop the next exit of one of the other 27 member states. That might just be a reform of communication skills or starting to reach out more to the populace. I hope this legislation will not be needed and is not enacted, that it simply sits in a drawer in a desk until the last minute and is not necessary. We would love to have more time but I believe it was delayed deliberately to allow the preparation and the process to continue as well as possible.

Senator McDowell rightly spoke about the focus on no deal and the desires of the ERG. I agree. I do not believe the ERG acts in the interests of Northern Ireland or of the peace on this island, but I do not believe the DUP acts that way either. When one looks at the DUP's record in respect of the Good Friday Agreement and some of the contributions made by its spokespersons either in the Houses of Parliament or on broadcast media, particularly in this jurisdiction, one must question what it wants for the people of this island, North and South, post Brexit. What does it want for the farmers who will not be able to get goods to the market or the business people who will not be able to trade with the rest of the world, let alone their nearest neighbour, or the people who will be unable to feed their families and will face the absolute deprivation that a no-deal scenario will offer the ordinary people of this island and of Great Britain? Be under no illusion about the absolute charlatans who push for no deal, the disaster capitalists on the fringe of a certain fringe element of certain political parties in the United Kingdom. I question whether they care for anybody at all. We are faced with a nefarious element in Westminster that is pushing something that is unfathomable for this island and for its own, and that is why we are in this position.

Unfortunately, we must pass extremely regrettable legislation. We can hope it does not come into force but we must pass it. We need the support of this House, as we had the support of the Dáil. Let us get it through in time and let us see what comes next out of London. However, we should be under no illusion. There are no negotiations. They ended in November and this Government and the Oireachtas are trying to do the best for this island, and will continue to do so. The best situation, of course, is that there is no Brexit, but we have no control over that. The next best is to make sure we get a withdrawal agreement to allow a managed Brexit. There is no such thing as a managed no deal; it is merely a form of words. A no-deal scenario is like removing the roof from a house and replacing it with a sheet of paper. That is where we are.

The situation is not of our making and is not our decision, but we can do our best to prepare for it. Ultimately, no country in the EU will be able to prepare fully for a no-deal Brexit but we are making the best effort to prepare in the best way possible. I have no doubt that if a no-deal Brexit were to occur, further legislation and actions will be required but those discussions are for another day. I sincerely hope we are never obliged to have those discussions. Unfortunately, in the 419 hours to go to Brexit, we must act prudently for this island and the Union. I have become something of a late-night addict to BBC Parliament. I wish I did not have to watch it as much as I do, but that is where we are.

I commend this Bill to the House and I commend the Minister of State's statement. I look forward to us completing this by teatime tomorrow at the latest.