Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Ó Muilleoir for his presentation and for dealing with the fiscal issue, which was the main issue I addressed when our own Minister was here earlier. The most pertinent words in Mr. Ó Muilleoir's document referred to the letters of offer, which will guarantee €120 million as opposed to the overall difficulty with the €1.1 million or €1.2 million to which nobody is giving any commitment. In his response to Question No. 880 of 16 September 2016, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, clearly gave a commitment that the Irish Government would not be found wanting. I am happy to accept this in good faith. How confident is Mr. Ó Muilleoir that he can convince those in Northern Ireland and in the British Government who are dealing with Exchequer funding to make a clear and firm commitment, regardless of Brexit, to the operation of an all-Ireland economy, particularly in the Border area, not alone in the current year but right up to 2021 and beyond?

If there is a will there is a way, and if people are realistic and honest regarding their view of an all-Ireland situation with a 32-county Ireland or whether they agree with a 26-county Ireland or otherwise, we would get the commitment of the money. I would like Mr. Ó Muilleoir to comment on how we can get greater involvement and participation from those who will be equally affected, North and South, to ensure we have a full all-Ireland dialogue from people of all parties and none on how we can deal with it collectively.