The major Irish committee of the Oireachtas has recommended prompt initiation of work towards creating a unified Ireland, engaging the opinions of people from across the entire island from all viewpoints, under the leadership of the Department of the Taoiseach.
The Committee overseeing the realisation of the Good Friday Agreement stated that neither economic nor financial obstacles are too formidable for unification, asserting that the economic prosperity of a fresh, unified Ireland is an attainable goal if handled efficiently. They emphasised the need for a thorough, ambitious preparation phase.
They recommended that this must be quarterbacked by the Department of the Taoiseach, with all departments and agencies of the Republic being involved, leading to a published Green Paper outlining the blueprint for a unified Ireland.
The roadmap for the Green Paper should incorporate widespread consultation, potentially even establishing a consultative body similar to the New Ireland Forum of 40 years ago, giving all parties, North and South, access.
However, it’s anticipated that this forum would have a more comprehensive scope than its predecessor, leveraging the input from all corners of society and ensuring that Unionist perspectives are included in any public discussions.
The Belfast Agreement’s oversight committee, helmed by Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd, has championed the enhancement of North-South cooperation across all societal sectors, even in the absence of any future foundational changes.
Revisions should allow teaching professionals to work anywhere on the island and remove obstacles for tertiary-level students, particularly those from Northern Ireland wishing to study in the Republic. They also urge the swift commencement of work on the A5 road enhancing the connection to, and from, Derry as well as the Western part of Northern Ireland. Climate action preparations should be coordinated at the island level.
A tighter collaboration between the Industrial Development Authority and its Northern equivalent, Invest NI, could stimulate foreign direct investment yielding benefits to areas outside the major cities of Dublin and Belfast.
Issues impacting the comprehensive functioning of the island-wide economy, such as taxation, welfare, pension regulations, and potential shifts post-Brexit between the European Union and the United Kingdom, warrant a meticulous review. Regular interaction and exchange between government officials from the civil services of Northern Ireland and Dublin is suggested for superior coordination.
It’s proposed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation focussed on how social welfare systems operate in both regions of the island. This is geared toward “formulating a fresh welfare state foundation” with amplification of rights for caregivers and children.
The idea to establish an Oireachtas committee, specifically for making arrangements towards a unified Ireland, has been put forth. This committee would have the authority to delve into future governance and necessary constitutional modifications.
Mr O’Dowd emphasised on the need for comprehensive preparations for reunification, which must commence much ahead of the referendums. He acknowledged every interpretation of the island’s future, be it unionist, nationalist, or others, deserving equal rights and respect. The Louth TD, due for retirement post the current Dáil tenure, emphasized on creating a constitutional route towards a unified Ireland as being vital to the peace process.
Referendums in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland might result in challenging and divisive situations unless the Irish Government earnestly prepares for the probability of a united Ireland, he warned.
Echoing John Hume’s words, Mr O’Dowd reiterated “Ireland isn’t a romantic dream or a flag, it’s 4.5 million people divided into two powerful traditions”, and that the future will be decided through consensus and collaboration, not victory.