17 Apr 2015, 09:44
The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs today concluded its series of meetings on the implications for Ireland, should the UK decide to leave the European Union (commonly referred to as ‘BrExit’).
16th April 2015
Professor Jennifer Todd from University College Dublin’s School of Politics and International Relations addressed the Committee on the regional and geopolitical issues that could arise in the event that the UK was to opt to leave the European Union. Her presentation to the Committee had a particular focus on the possible impact BrExit could have on Northern Ireland and on North-South relations.
Professor Todd is a specialist on cross-border relations and is a Member of the Royal Irish Academy, Director of the Institute for British Irish Studies at UCD, UN Global Expert, and member of the advisory board of a number of projects, including the Northern Ireland Peace Monitoring Project.
Committee Chairman, Dominic Hannigan, TD, says: “Today’s meeting provided the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs with an invaluable opportunity to address the issues that may occur, were the UK to opt to depart the EU. Professor Todd raised matters of significant concern to the Committee, particularly her belief that a British exit and the instability which would occur in Northern Ireland as a result would impact significantly on North South relations.”
“The ongoing fragility of the Good Friday Agreement was also raised at the meeting. Professor Todd stressed the need for proactivity in engaging with our Northern Irish colleagues in order to ensure that they are fully aware as to the potential effects BrExit could have on the quality of life of those people living north and south of the border, as well as on the border communities.”
“Today’s meeting illuminated the possible cost to the Irish and British states and indeed to North South relations, were the UK to vote to leave the EU. In a mere three weeks, once the British General Election has taken place, newly elected MPs may be asked to support a new government that may advocate a UK withdrawal from the EU. It is the contention of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs that the possible implications of a BrExit on North South relations, as well as the possible economic costs to the British state should form part of these negotiations. The effect of a UK withdrawal on Northern Irish communities is something that Professor Todd stressed should be raised with our colleagues in Northern Ireland as a matter of some urgency.”
“The ease of travel north and south of the border is one of the great achievements of the Good Friday Agreement. Today’s meeting highlighted the possible issues that may result if BrExit was to occur. These included possible issues around freedom of movement; border controls and customs checking and the significant psychological impact that may be brought to bear on those living near the border and consequently on cross-border relations.”
Ends
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Committee Membership
Chairman: Dominic Hannigan, TD (Labour)
Deputies:
Eric Byrne (Labour); Seán Crowe (Sinn Féin); Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail); Bernard J. Durkan (Fine Gael); John Halligan (Independent); Seán Kyne (Fine Gael); Derek Keating (Fine Gael); Joe O’Reilly (Fine Gael)
Senators:
Colm Burke (Fine Gael); Aideen Hayden (Labour); Terry Leyden (Fianna Fáil); Catherine Noone (Fine Gael); Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Féin)