House of Lords Brexit report
Senator Feighan welcomed the House of Lords report on Brexit, saying it correctly recognised the risks for Ireland, the peace process and UK-Irish relations.
I also welcome the report by the House of Lords on the implications of Brexit. It is fascinating that it was announced simultaneously in Dublin and the United Kingdom. It argues that the British political establishment misunderstands the nature of free trade and overstates the negotiating position of the United Kingdom. It also argues that it is a huge challenge for Ireland, the peace process and the special nature of UK-Irish relations. We must welcome the report and thank the committee for being as generous as it was. It has looked for bilateral talks with the Irish Government. I do not think this can be done on a formal basis, but they certainly need to be agreed to by the European Union. We have come a long way in the past 40 years and can now have open debate, dialogue and conversations. I agree with Senator Gerard P. Craughwell. This House should do a lot more in forging relationships with all of the parliaments on the islands of Ireland and Great Britain because we have done so through the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. It is generous, open and the way forward. Once again, we must ensure there is a special solution for the special nature of UK-Irish relations.