Deadline For Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Approaches

Fianna Fáil has warned the government to remain cautious and keep cool heads as the October deadline for a Brexit withdrawal agreement approaches.

The party's spokesperson Lisa Chambers TD made the comments following her attendance at a Brexit Stakeholder Forum.

Deputy Chambers said: "The deadline for reaching a deal on the withdrawal agreement is fast approaching and it is imperative that the Government exercises caution in the coming weeks. A lot of work remains to be done to resolve outstanding Irish issues.

"Issues relating to the Common Travel Area need to be resolved as soon as possible. Businesses for example need certainty that their employees can move freely between jurisdictions. In addition, we also need clarity on the rights and applicable fee structures for Irish third level students who wish to study in the UK and vice versa post Brexit. This may require a new legislative framework to facilitate the current situation continuing and we should endeavour to have this in place in advance of it being needed.

"It is abundantly clear that a no deal scenario is in no one's interests and would cause profound economic harm to Ireland and would among many other negative things be detrimental to East-West and North-South relations.  It is therefore imperative that all sides work to reach an agreement so we can move forward to the transition period."

She continued to caution the government on the importance of the transition period, and urged it to be "vigilant" to ensure "they don't sleep walk us into a hard border".

"There is much at stake in the weeks ahead and as has been reiterated on several occasions by Michel Barnier and others, 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'," Deputy Chambers added.

(CM)