Councillors vote to retain Brexit Committee during transition period amid claims of disengagement

 

The Fermanagh and Omagh Council Brexit Committee is to remain in place despite some councillors feeling it should now be wound down, while others maintain it is more vital than ever.

A report to the Regeneration and Community Committee showed the Brexit Committee has met on a monthly basis since December 2018, with costs of approximately £10,260 equating to around £930 per meeting.

Chief Executive Alison McCullagh said the United Kingdom has now left the European Union the transition period has commenced, with very limited information regarding scenarios which could emerge.

She suggested consideration could be given on whether monthly meetings are still required or until better information is provided, adding: “Towards the end of March there is a substantive meeting in Europe and trade negotiations will certainly take centre-stage … It’s up to members now how they wish to proceed.”

Councillor Alex Baird, Ulster Unionist accepted being “a bit sceptical” on the effectiveness on the Brexit Committee but: “With hindsight some good work has been done (but) now the dye being cast, is there a role for the committee in the immediacy? I don’t see a great deal of business if indeed any, we can do, although things may crop up. Should we consider putting the committee into abeyance until it may be necessary to resurrect when issues come forward?”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Seamus Greene agreed there had been a lull but felt this is the “quiet before the storm”.

He said: “The next months are going to be the most vital and (we should not) switch off and go for a snooze while the actual nuts and bolts of Brexit is being worked out, without any ability to lobby, bring experts in, and send delegations to the Brexit Committee in Stormont. Come this time next year it might be a different scenario after that trade deal is either done or not done … It would be strange for us to pull the pin at the most vital stage.”

Councillor Barry McElduff, of Sinn Fein contended a number of members were “lukewarm” towards the Brexit Committee in terms of engagement and participation.

“I would be in favour of maintaining the committee. The regularity of meetings can be discussed. This is a developing situation … We’ve heard dire warnings from various sectors. We need to keep our antennae out there.”

Councillor McElduff continued: “There are big things happening whether people agree or disagree … We need to be inviting the incoming Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Irish Government to meet with us. It’s incredible Simon Coveney and Leo Varadkar did not formally meet this council (given) its geography which is impacted by Brexit. Politically, there was no attempt to engage.

He formally proposed the Brexit committee is retained and the regularity of meetings decided as required.

This was seconded by the SDLP’s Councillor Adam Gannon who felt the Brexit Committee’s main work would be undertaken during the transition stage. “It’s coming up to possibly the most valuable stage …. Brexit matters can move at lightening speed or a snail’s pace. It depends on the time and we can make that judgement.”

Democratic Unionist Councillor Errol Thompson drew attention to the costs of meetings adding, “A lot of people are for continuing this committee. I think it should be cut down to at least bi-monthly if not quarterly.”

Councillor Josephine Deehan, Independent, was in favour of continuing monthly meetings and: “It’s important we are kept abreast of any development. The transition period is the most critical period, when new arrangements are negotiated. … We should do everything within our power to mitigate disadvantages which may ensue.”

The matter went to a vote with 16 supporting the Brexit Committee’s continuing to meets on a monthly basis, with 12 members abstaining.

Councillor Greene requested an update on the attendance of “Brexit Expert” Lee Reynolds, Regional Co-Ordinator of the Vote Leave campaign, stating he: “Was to give us his views on the benefits of Brexit. That never happened. Is there ant word of when he is coming?”

The Chief Executive advised there is no confirmed date when Mr Reynolds will attend.

Rounding off the discussion and pointing to political differences, Councillor McElduff commented, “Some of the unionist councillors are choosing to disengage … Where there is life in this committee, there is substance.”