Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for being present during this important week. We have discussed and debated Brexit for four years and finally we are almost at that point. Four weeks from Friday, the UK will be outside the EU Single Market and customs union. From 1 January next, how we, as a country, trade with the UK will be dramatically different.Considering all the valuable work the Minister, Department and EU are doing, I hope that the circumstances after Brexit, while different, will not be as negative as could be the case. Even if a free trade agreement is concluded between the EU and the UK, there is no doubt but that there will be significant and enduring change. We are all aware of how difficult it is for many sectors in society to absorb change. An important message, which the Minister gives all the time, is that it is vital that all businesses, regardless of whether they are small, medium or large, focus on their Brexit readiness because circumstances will simply not be the same. That is the one thing we know. Being prepared is critical.

The principal aim of this wide-ranging omnibus Bill is to tackle the wide range of complex issues that may arise for citizens and businesses after the transition. At all costs, we must protect citizens and consumers. We have to reduce the possibility of a serious disturbance in the economy of our State and facilitate the sound functioning of a number of key markets, sectors and fields. We must also ensure that Irish businesses are not seriously affected.

Coming from Kildare, I am concerned about the agriculture industry there. I am referring, in particular, to imports from the UK and exports to the UK from Kildare and the rest of the midlands. I am also concerned about the thoroughbred industry. As we know, Ireland is recognised throughout the world for this industry. The impact of Brexit on sales, breeding and racing could be significant, particularly in the context of the relationship that has existed between France, England and Ireland. We want to ensure as minimal an impact as possible.

Regarding tax-free goods, I understand there was quite a lengthy debate in the Dáil last week and that the Government has agreed to lower, from €175 to €75, the value in excess of which someone from a non-EU state may get tax back on purchases. This obviously includes the UK. It also includes a sizeable number of visitors who come to my county to shop in Kildare Village. Seventy-five euro is quite high. A sum of €35 or €50 would be far more acceptable to the sector and encourage people to shop while they are here. I understand there was the possibility of a clause within the legislation before the Dáil last week stipulating that this arrangement might be examined in 12 months' time but I believe it was not pursued. If the Minister could consider this, it would be really appreciated.

The previous education committee analysed the impact of Brexit on students. Approximately 12,000 students from the Republic study in the UK, including Northern Ireland. The relationship between UK and Irish educational institutions has always been really strong. There have been excellent partnerships, particularly in respect of attracting research funding. I am aware that an agreement was reached in respect of students who have already started their courses at third level institutions in the UK. That is important. We all realise there are issues with capacity in our third level institutions. Notwithstanding the substantial funding given this year, absorbing another 12,000 students could be very significant, and it could be very difficult, indeed, for our own institutions. However, there may be potential to attract additional research funding. That our technological universities are coming to the fore is important in this regard. I hope an opportunity will arise.

I wish the Minister and all those on the negotiating teams well. This is a crucial time for our country. I really hope that matters will go the right way in the next few days.