Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----that is what has led to this disastrous Brexit.

Europe was blamed for everything that was wrong in the UK, instead of the UK Government admitting it. I am delighted the Minister of State can bring that message that we need to get closer to the people and to build a strong Europe.

On the issue of the Border, everyone who has focused on it, including the negotiators, have said imaginative and flexible solutions are needed.

What does it mean? I have not heard one solution yet that would pass muster on either side. I would be more than interested in the answer, but do not expect the Minister of State to answer it today as I am sure we are in a negotiating stage. However, at some stage we will have to start talking about what we see as the solution. I know that Michel Barnier and various other people we meet in Europe say the same thing which is that, no matter how off the wall it is, we should bring them a solution and that they may be able to live with that solution.

I have spoken on the issue of co-operation and security many times and I make no apology for talking about the weakness in our system. We do not have a security service that operates at the same level as our partners in Europe, the UK or the United States.