Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste to the House and, as I indicated on Second Stage, Labour Party Senators will continue to support the Bill's speedy and efficient passage through the House. We all bring that constructive spirit of co-operation to the debate, which is helpful.

In respect of the provisions on immigration in the section, I will be happy to support the Sinn Féin amendments. While I acknowledge that amendment No. 23 is technical, amendments Nos. 24 and 25 will insert important human rights considerations and, therefore, I will be happy to support them. More broadly on the section and the issues it raises, I am sure I am not alone in having had many people raise with me concerns as to how a no-deal Brexit will specifically affect immigration matters and the right of British and Irish citizens to continue to travel between the two states. The common travel area will continue to exist, as the Tánaiste has made clear, but it would be useful for that to be reiterated because there is significant fear about it, particularly as the awful prospect of no deal seems to loom even larger in the past 24 hours.

Another point which has been raised with me is how a no-deal Brexit would affect the rights of non-EEA family members of British citizens currently resident in this jurisdiction. The Minister for Justice and Equality has stated such individuals would be granted residency rights, but the question is how sure we can be about that. I seek reassurance from the Tánaiste as to the status of such family members, such as persons who are in partnership with or married to British citizens resident in Ireland but who are from outside the EEA. An individual raised that specific question with me and I indicated on Second Stage that I would raise it on Committee Stage. People seek a reassurance about the impact that a no-deal Brexit will have on their status and that of those closest to them after 29 March. Notwithstanding whatever assurances have been given that the common travel area will continue to exist in respect of travel arrangements for Irish and British citizens, fear remains among persons who may be in relationships with those who are not British, Irish or even EU or EEA citizens over how they will be affected by a no-deal Brexit.