Eamon Ryan discussed the impact of Brexit on the Republic of Ireland and his views on how to deal with it. Mr Ryan said everyone should just “get on with it” and that any issues should be dealt with by all political parties in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. However, journalist Emily Maitlis wondered what the Minister actually meant by this and wondered if he would support reducing checks which have caused delays on food entering Northern Ireland from the UK.
Speaking on BBC’s Newsnight, Mr Ryan said: “We should make sure it (Brexit) doesn’t damage our people anywhere on this island or in the UK and trying to make the best of it.
“It’s not going to be easy, it’s far from ideal in my mind, but we should get on with it and we should work in collaboration with our Unionist colleagues up north and with all the political parties… it’s not all defined just by this Brexit issue we’ve other issues we need to address.”
But Emily Maitlis picked out something Mr Ryan said and challenged him: “Just before we end, could you spell out for us what ‘get on with it’ means?
“Would you be happy to see checks relaxed on stuff going into Northern Ireland from Great Britain?
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“Would you accept that, what does consensus look like to you?”
The Irish Green Party leader floundered and said that decision would be part of the European Union before Ms Maitlis pointed out Ireland was still in the EU and would be consulted on the decision first.
Mr Ryan replied: “No, but it is the European Union that protects the single market and Maroš Šefčovič under the arrangement instructions will negotiate with Michael Gove on that.
“I work, as well, in other areas with my colleague Nichola Mallon up north in terms of how we integrate on transport and with Grant Shapps your Transport Minister.
“We’ve been working very closely in this difficult Covid time trying to make sure we have cooperation to minimise the risks from travel and to make sure we do make the travel arrangements work.”
Graffiti was also sprayed near ports demanding no Irish Sea border.
Travellers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain do not require passports as they still remain as part of the UK.
However, goods travelling into Northern Ireland are subject to checks since Northern Ireland is still part of the EU’s Customs Union.
These checks have been slowing down deliveries across NI which Westminster has been attempting to fix.
— to www.express.co.uk
