Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, spoke on Sinn Féin’s Dáil motion on Brexit, which called for a special status for the North in the EU, during the debate this evening.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The Sinn Féin motion outlined that the North of Ireland is being forced to leave the EU against the expressed wishes of its people and that this represents a major set-back for the political process in the North and directly challenges the integrity of the GFA.

“It calls on the Irish Government to enter any forthcoming negotiations to defend the democratic mandate of the people to remain within the EU and act in Ireland’s national interest.

“It also specifically calls on the Irish Government to negotiate for the North to be designated a special status within the EU and for the whole island of Ireland to remain within the EU together, a key demand of Sinn Féin since the Brexit referendum result.

“We have accepted an amendment from Fianna Fáil which expands on what was outlined in our motion. It is therefore expected to pass when it is voted on tomorrow.

“There is a particular onus on the Irish Government to take a stand on the issue in the forthcoming negotiations with the other EU member states and Sinn Féin will continue to press them on this vital subject.”

ENDS