Good Friday Committee to discuss Brexit’s effect on border communities and children’s rights

11 January 2017

The Committee will continue its examination the implications of Brexit for the Good Friday Agreement and its Institutions.

In the first session of the meeting, representatives of the group, Border Communities Agaianst Brexit, will address the Committee. Mr. Declan Fearon will represent the group and he will be joined by Mr. Damien McGenity, Mr. Johnnie Kelly and Mr. Tom Murray. In the second session, the Committee will hear from Ms. Tanya Ward, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Saoirse Brady, Legal and Policy Director of the Children's Rights Alliance.

Committee Chairperson, Kathleen Funchion TD said, “Our first Committee meeting of 2017 will see us continue our focus on Brexit and its ramifications for the Good Friday Agreement. Border Communities Against Brexit is an organisation which seeks to highlight the concerns of people who live close to the border. Opposing any re-imposition of border restrictions is one of the group’s top priorities, as are protecting trade and tourism.”

“In a separate session, our Committee will hear from the Children’s Rights Alliance, which is a coalition of non-governmental organisations concerned with meeting the needs and safeguarding the rights of children in Ireland. The Committee will hear how children who live north and south of the border may be impacted by Brexit and the importance of ensuring that the legal and procedural protections currently available to children under EU law is not eroded.”

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

ENDS