Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Cox for his fantastic presentation. He is a wealth of knowledge. We have been sitting here for the last few weeks. Many groups have come . Different organisations, businesses and the agriculture industry have come in and their biggest fear has been the hard border and how shocking it would be. I also fear a hard border. I hear what Mr. Cox is saying about Theresa May and how she has committed to it but she also committed to not calling a snap election and then she did. How can we trust Westminster? That is the big thing. How can we trust it, particularly with what is going on now in England after the two recent horrendous atrocities? I imagine people coming here and then going up North will be an issue. The hard Border is a concern. In Mr. Cox's experience, does he believe Westminster will prioritise or have any interest in the North? I would also be concerned about that.

It is great that the European Union is taking an interest. I have heard reports from different people who have been in Europe that the first question the Parliament asks is about how we are getting on. There is a huge compassion and concern, particularly for Ireland. I hope that, with all of that compassion and empathy, the European Union will make Ireland a priority in this Brexit situation. Mr. Cox mentioned Scotland and its seeking a special status. The North is probably in a better position to achieve special status within the EU. What is Mr. Cox's feeling on that? In his experience, what does he think about the North getting special status within the EU?

We recently heard the Minister, Deputy Simon, Coveney speak about a united Ireland. We have heard the SDLP speaking about a united Ireland. Bearing in mind that we must take account of the unionist community, what is Mr. Cox's view? The reality is that more people in the North - over 50% - voted to stay in the EU. Bearing all of that in mind, does Mr. Cox have thoughts on the issue?