Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive overview of the issue. I will follow Senator Leyden's comments on Brexit, which is the biggest question facing us. The UK's presentation last week was not anything like a full deal but in speaking about a customs arrangement, it was a stumble in the right direction. Following what I heard from Senator Leyden in Sligo at the plenary meeting over the weekend, there is a slight movement now among British politicians on both sides of the divide on an overall preference for EU-UK relationship. That will eliminate the need for a backstop.

In light of the votes in the House of Commons yesterday, and, more pertinently, the assurances given to the group of at least politicians led by Mr. Dominic Grieve, a Conservative MP, and which are being sought in writing, how does the Minister of State feel about the current state of play? She is closer to the process. What is happening with the negotiations involving the teams led by Mr. Barnier and Mr. Davis, which are ongoing and probably pretty intensive? I am interested to hear the Minister of State's comments in that regard. I very much welcome what Senator Richmond has said in that there is such a unified approach. That must give us hope and encouragement that matters will resolve at the finish. Will the Minister of State comment on what she thinks will come from this June summit? I presume it will allow matters to go on further and be dealt with finally and satisfactorily in October. I look forward to hearing her comments.