Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis na Seanadóirí as ucht an Bhille seo a thógáil inniu mar tá sé an-tábhachtach. Táimid ag teacht anois go tapa i dtreo dheireadh na bliana agus tá sé tábhachtach go mbeimid réidh don Bhreatimeacht. Tá an Rialtas réidh ach tá sé tábhachtach go bhfuil gach duine sa tír seo, go háirithe iad siúd a bhíonn ag trádáil leis an mBreatain, réidh roimh dheireadh na bliana. Tá an reachtaíocht atáimid ag cur tríd an Seanad inniu ag iarraidh go mbeimid réidh sna dlíthe agus sna reachtanna atá againn sa tír seo.

I thank Senators for their consideration of the Bill. Those who were Members of the previous Seanad will recall similar legislation that we passed before this. This particular legislation is required, deal or no deal. The Government is doing its utmost to prepare for Brexit and this is the legislative part of the Brexit preparations. Brexit will happen when the transition period ends on 31 December. Deal or no deal, that will mean significant changes to the way we conduct our trade with the island of Great Britain. Thanks to the protocol, there will be free movement of people and goods on the island of Ireland. I am glad that work on implementing that protocol has been going on quite well over the past few weeks. There have been good relations on both sides. I am glad to report that to the House because we are hearing a lot of news about the overall trade deal. That is obviously very important as well but we must ensure the protocol and the agreement that was reached with Britain that there will be no hard border is implemented. Work has been going pretty well on that. There will not be a hard border on this island and there will not be any difficulties in trading goods North and South on this island, thanks to that protocol.

I thank our European colleagues for their continued solidarity with us. They ask me every time I speak to them about the situation in Ireland. They are extremely interested and knowledgeable about it. I also thank all parties in the Oireachtas. As a Government, we have tried to conduct our work on Brexit in as consensual a manner as possible and the unity and common purpose demonstrated by Members from all political parties and none on this issue is appreciated by the Government. It is also recognised across the European Union and has been a huge strength to us. I am very grateful for that.

I will not say too much more because each Minister will speak on and deal with his or her section of the legislation. That is the way we have done it previously and that is the best way of doing it. The Department of Foreign Affairs has an overarching role in this but the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is in Paris today. One of the French ministers, Mr. Clément Beaune, is coming to Ireland this weekend so that interest remains. I look forward to the debate and I thank Ministers and Departments for their work on this Bill. I again thank the Seanad for allowing this legislation to come to before it today.