Northern Ireland voters should be allowed to vote in European elections, report recommends

Irish citizens in Northern Ireland should have the right to vote in European elections, a new report recommends.

The Seanad's Special Committee on Brexit argues there is currently a "democratic deficit" where Northern Ireland is subject to the Single Market but has no representation at European Parliament level.

"The committee is of the view that the Irish Government must make every effort to ensure the voice of citizens in Northern Ireland is properly represented at EU level," it said in its final report on Brexit.

It also recommends there be a dedicated body to act between the Northern Ireland Assembly and the European Parliament to discuss the impact of Brexit.

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Voting rights for Irish citizens is among 62 recommendations in the report relating to the impact of Brexit on the island of Ireland.

The committee suggests that the Irish Government and the EU begin preparations immediately for the vote in relation to the protocol, which is due to take place in the Northern Ireland Assembly at the end of 2024.

It noted that the protocol has had a positive impact on many Northern Ireland businesses citing one printer stating that his increased by 16 per cent in the past couple of months as a result.

The report believes the protocol has brought economic benefits to Northern Ireland and those should be articulated.

But it also heard from DUP MLA Diane Dodds who said it had "isolated and marginalised unionism and many people from the unionist community".

The committee was told there is "not one unionist member of the assembly supports the protocol. We have not arrived out of the blue from another planet; we are reflective of the society that we represent."

The report was completed before it became clear that the British government is considering legislation that would mean non-Irish EU/EEA citizens will be required to apply for a US-style visa waiver known as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK, including when crossing the land Border into Northern Ireland.

The committee identified the rights of non-Irish citizens as potentially problematic, and said clarity should be provided around the implication of freedom of movement on the island particularly in relation to the free movement of non-Irish or non-British citizens, including asylum seekers who are resident in Ireland/Northern Ireland on a cross-border basis.

“Furthermore, the committee recommends greater public engagement to raise awareness of the potential issues that may arise should the UK Government introduce an electronic travel authorisation system for the border.”

Committee chair Senator Lisa Chambers said opposition to the protocol in some quarters is "genuine and must be addressed".

She added: “Having acknowledged these concerns, the committee believes ultimately that they can only be addressed through trust and cooperation between both sides and a willingness to agree solutions.

“The committee hopes that current negotiations deliver a resolution in recognition of the importance of maintaining a good relationship between Ireland and the UK and the UK and the EU.”