Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Senator Ahearn.

I welcome the Minister. As a former Vice Chairman of the European affairs committee, I recall that in 2014 or 2015, on being asked by the then Taoiseach, the committee carried out a job of work on the possible impact of Brexit on the Irish economy and society. It was before a referendum was formally announced or decided upon. We were pre-empting at lot at that stage. Unfortunately, we know the result. The matters we discussed at the time are matters that eventually became part of the more formal discussions after Brexit. Having served as Chief Whip in the previous Dáil, I recall dealing with Brexit omnibus legislation of 2019. I am only too aware of the scope of the legislation and the details we are considering today. I acknowledge the work of the Minister, his officials, the Office of the Attorney General and the drafters in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for their forensic work on producing a broad, in-depth Bill dealing with circumstances that nobody in this Chamber wanted and that the vast majority of the public on the island did not want either.

It is only when going through the Bill section by section and provision by provision that we realise how enmeshed the Irish and British economic, social protection, health, migration, transport and childcare systems are. They are so intertwined. We have connected economies. It is difficult to provide for all the changes that Brexit will bring. On going through the legislation, it is not possible to get away from the thought that Brexit is a very sad and backward step from the very close relationship that existed when the UK was a partner in the European Union. We must, however, make the best of the circumstances we are in.

The future relationship between Ireland that the UK will be multilayered. On one level, we will be dealing with the UK within Europe but we will also be dealing with it in its capacity as a former member of the EU and as a third country. On another level, we will be dealing with the UK as our closest neighbour, with a shared, if somewhat troubled, history dating back 1,000 years. More important, we will be sharing this island together. This will make for a very complex but, I hope, rewarding relationship. This will be new territory. We have never been economically or politically separated to such an extent. One hundred years ago, we began a new stage in our combined histories, yet we remained incredibly closely linked to terms of trade, transport and the economy. We joined the European Economic Community together in 1973. While we have taken separate steps on the exchange rate mechanism and euro, the step we are now taking is larger. It is important that we continue to foster bilateral arrangements that serve both jurisdictions well in terms of their shared future. I look forward to seeing arrangements in place that will benefit all citizens of both countries.

The provisions in this Bill reinforce many of the important, worthwhile measures put in place by Ireland the UK over the decades. This is in the context of our new relationship from 1 January. We have very close co-operation in healthcare. I am very pleased to see the measures concerning European health insurance card rights and the arrangements for Irish, British and EU citizens resident in Northern Ireland, who will receive treatment in EU states in respect of unplanned care. This will give confidence and comfort to the many people who travel to Europe as tourists or students in the coming years.

In the area of social protection, the measures of the Bill ensure that people in both jurisdictions of the common travel area will continue to enjoy flexibility and eligibility regarding social protection. This is so important given the constant toing and froing of people north, south, east and west for work reasons, thereby continuing a long tradition of movement of citizens between both countries.

Under the immigration heading, I am pleased that UK citizens will receive special status following Brexit. At the same time, provisions are being made to continue the process of extradition since the European arrest warrant process will no longer apply. The combating of crime is obviously very important. The mobility of criminals cannot be allowed to create a haven in either jurisdiction.

In the context of childcare, it is proposed that, as for social protection, there will be provisions made for the eligibility of UK citizens. This, too, is important. There are many other provisions in the Bill that will make life easier for people in terms of work, life, security and finance. These are vital for our economies.There are many other areas of the Bill which will make life easier for people in terms of work, life, security and finance, which are vital for our economies. We have an opportunity now to build a relationship on old tried and trusted foundations. It will not all be plain sailing but the Minister has developed solid relations with the UK and with our European partners to deliver the best deal for Irish people and the Irish economy.