Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on taking up her new position. I am delighted to hear she will be working with everyone on a cross-party basis. I welcome the Minister.

I strongly support the EU–UK scheme. Naturally, there will be many benefits for Ireland. If we opt in, it will benefit the students of the UK equally. Travel and cultural exchanges enrich both sides. The scheme would allow easier access for exchange programmes, improved pathways for young professionals to work across the border, and enhanced collaboration between both Irish and UK businesses through talent exchange, which is needed in many places. It would also benefit beyond that, both socially and economically. Given the skills shortages in many sectors in Ireland and the UK, the agreement could help to meet the demand on facilities that are currently under-resourced and understaffed. It would encourage young people to see a different culture and live a different life, and boost tourism for both economies. Ireland, as the only EU country sharing a land border with the UK, has a vested interested in ensuring relations remain strong and productive.

As Senator Lynch and other Senators mentioned, the scheme gives us a seat at the table. If we opted in, we would not be committing to anything yet, but it would mean we would have a seat at the table and could start to make decisions instead of having decisions in which we do not have a say being made for us.

A key priority concerns the fact that the scheme plays a role in reinforcing our close relationship with the UK, as other Senators have mentioned. The people in the north of Ireland voted to remain in the EU but were taken out against their wishes. While the protocol agreement has mitigated some of the damage Brexit has done to the island of Ireland, trade challenges will continue for the people who live north of the Border. Therefore, we must make it our duty in the Oireachtas to speak up for their interests and ensure the principles of the Good Friday Agreement are understood and adhered to in any new negotiations between the EU and the British Government.

Given the circumstances with the Border, the unique position of Northern Ireland and the common travel area, the priority must be around Irish interests, the special position of the North and Irish sovereignty. The common travel area with Britain presents unique challenges in dealing with migration-related issues. For us to deal with these challenges effectively, Ireland, as an EU state that is also part of the common travel area with Britain, must pursue bilateral agreements with the UK. Parallel legislation is needed to provide objectives and clear criteria for determining the potential responsibility of processing international protection applications between both states. Furthermore, effective immigration management at ports and airports will also be critical.

This proposal is one that Ireland should not only support but also champion. We have an obligation to our young people. They are not just the future; they are equally the present. We must ensure they have access to the best opportunities available. Sinn Féin supports the motion.