Seanad debates

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019: Second Stage

 

12:00 pm

Photo of Paudie CoffeyPaudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, to the House for what is a sad but important debate on the Bill before us. These are grave and serious political times. They cause a huge weight of concern for our citizens, both North and South. It reminds me of just over ten years ago when we were legislating for the bailout, the upheaval of that time, the consequences that followed and the concerns of our citizens then. There is similar uncertainty now regarding the possibility of a no-deal Brexit and the potential damage it could inflict on our citizens and economy. This has the potential to reach all levels of society in a negative way.

I commend the Minister of State on the manner in which she has engaged with our EU partners and dealt with this very difficult issue to date. I note how she built solid support from our EU partners across the EU. She has also dealt with sometimes hostile and unreasonable comment and argument in respect of Brexit and the Irish position. I also wish to commend the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the diplomatic corps in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the work they have done in protecting Ireland's interests in these difficult negotiations.

This is a tragic political time. It is a no-win scenario for the UK, Ireland and the EU regardless of the outcome, but we must do all in our power to mitigate the consequences. It undoubtedly will have a deep impact on the UK and its citizens and, sadly, on Ireland's citizens too. It is like witnessing a slow car crash, which is tragic. I recognise the solidarity shown by our EU partners. This is not an accident but is a result of the intense engagement of our Ministers, who continue to work on building understanding and support for the Irish position. It is a fact that many of our citizens, both North and South, are fearful about the uncertainty, consequences and impact of Brexit. There is uncertainty about the impact on trade and the possibility of tariffs, the impact on jobs and businesses and the impact on lifestyle standards and choices, travel and education. There are also obvious concerns about the Border region, as we have heard from colleagues.

We are an island nation and we must not forget that. We are depending on our EU partners and, indeed, the UK for trade and interconnectivity on many levels. I come from the south east and there is deep concern in that region and in Waterford. It has a strong agrifood sector that relies heavily on exports to, and trade with, the UK. Companies such as Glanbia, Dawn Meats Group Limited and many others, as well as the thousands of people in farm families, the primary producers, are depending on as good and positive an outcome as possible. It is critical that we continue to support the Government as it continues on this difficult path. It is also critical that the European Commission stands by Ireland and puts the necessary supports and contingency arrangements in place to provide for all eventualities and mitigate against the damage.

Today is a significant day in the House of Commons. I wish the MPs the very best in their deliberations and decisions today. There is fading hope for a majority to accept the deal and there are concerns about the support that is required if it is not passed today. It will leave a no-deal scenario, which is high risk and has major consequences for all. As a politician, however, I still retain hope that politics can find a solution. Politics is, after all, the art of the possible. Constituents and citizens depend on leadership from their representatives, both in the UK and Ireland. Sadly, it has been lacking so far in the UK but we retain hope that they will find a solution. I acknowledge the role of the Opposition in Ireland, including Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil and the Independents, in facilitating this Bill.I want to emphasise that we can do without political point-scoring at this very critical stage.

There is a very noticeable void in the House of Commons in terms of representing the nationalist voice of Northern Ireland. It is a shame that all we are hearing is the amplified voice of the DUP. That party is actually ignoring its own constituents and the concerns being raised by unionist business men and women and by unionist farmers regarding a no-deal Brexit. All we are hearing from the DUP are narrow, single-minded, party-political arguments that are of grave concern to all. The DUP is putting polarising political views ahead of the genuine concerns of citizens. The majority of people in Northern Ireland voted against Brexit and the vast majority voted in favour of the Good Friday Agreement. It is critical that their views are reflected in the debate and that the Good Friday Agreement is upheld. We simply cannot afford to go back to the dark days of the past. It is essential that we uphold the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, a priority for the Irish Government and the Irish people. It is also important that we find a workable future relationship with the UK, as our nearest neighbour. We must continue to listen to and advocate for citizens in Northern Ireland who are genuinely concerned and fearful of the consequences of Brexit. As the Taoiseach has said, they cannot be left behind.

We are debating this Bill reluctantly in this House today. We hope that the Opposition will support us in our efforts to have it passed efficiently and effectively. It is not a Bill that anyone here wants to see implemented, as many have said already. This is a very distressing period, given the uncertainty that the British vote to leave the EU has caused. I am glad that the common travel area will be protected. This is a long-standing agreement between the UK and Ireland and its maintenance is something that the Irish Government set as one of its key objectives at the very outset. I wish this Bill well as it passes through the House. It is a Bill of last resort which puts in place provisions to mitigate the potentially disastrous consequences for Ireland and the UK of a no-deal Brexit.

I wish the Minister of State well in her ongoing engagements with our EU partners, the UK and other stakeholders. She has the support of Fine Gael and everyone in this House.

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