Good Morning Croke Park!
Today – Ireland’s young voices get to speak on one of the biggest issues of our time.
We gather at Croke Park to Talk Brexit!
I am delighted to see a generation which has grown up in peace - and without a hard border on our island out in force.
There is a reason that children and young people make up half of those of us here today – and it is because your voices matter.
As Minister I simply do not buy into the claims that our children and young people have no interest in the future of our country.
In fact everywhere I go children and teens are talking about the issues of the day and are determined to be heard.
In the coming hours I want to hear from you more than anyone else at Croke Park.
I know through the work of Comhairle Na Nóg you have started looking at the Brexit process and what it could mean for our island.
Your reflections have already raised important practical questions.
Will I need a visa to cross from Donegal to Derry football practice Tae Kwon Do or Dancing? Can I still access college in the UK? Will going shopping or hanging out in Newry mean police check points?
Interestingly I understand that some also view Brexit as having possible opportunities.
While understandably with busy young lives filled with learning, enjoyment and passion for life – some of you are only now beginning to reflect.
My message is everything is on the table!
There is nothing that you should be nervous about raising here.
You should also focus on how you believe we can best respond to the issues you raise
What we discuss is important – as I will be reporting back to the Taoiseach and the Government on our work here today.
You will also notice too that we are joined by grown-ups and adults – some of them should be familiar faces.
We are joined by children’s campaigners, youth workers and others who work to ensure that the actions we take in
Government do not undermine your protections, supports and rights.
This morning they will also meet and will be looking at how we can ensure that Brexit will not affect your entitlements.
It seems a distant memory now but it was not that long ago that our island was disjointed.
Ireland and Northern Ireland went about protecting and supporting children in their own ways.
The sharing of services such as health and welfare and co-operation in combating those who wish to harm our young people was almost non-existent.
That all changed with the Good Friday Agreement – now our young people enjoy common and stronger rights, entitlements, supports.
This must not change.
Brexit is not a single issue or even a small agenda – it is more than the economy, more than politics, more than diplomacy…it is also about protecting our social fabric.
It is about ensuring there is no division, no break up of services….and for those of you who live along the border it is about everyday life.
Today that too will form part of the discussions which will go on here.
However first and foremost today is about our children, our teenagers, our young people.
I see it as the start of something which will bring fresh ideas, thoughts and excitement to the Brexit Process.
Our actions too will ensure that there will be no going back to the darker days of the past.
So as we begin I say to you Lets Talk Brexit!.