Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is important to acknowledge the amount of work that has been done and the way in which the Tánaiste and his officials have retained their sanity throughout the somewhat crazy past few months. I was struck by the suggestion of the BBC radio presenter interviewing the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, that Ireland would leave the EU and rejoin the UK. It was just another example of a lack of knowledge about and appreciation of Irish history.

On what basis does the Tánaiste think this legislation will not be necessary? The EU has been strong on Irish interests, but there is much talk about holding one's nerve and who will blink first. Is he fully confident that the EU will not blink first, particularly in the context of certain trade matters? An article published in The Guardianput forward the view that Prime Minister May wants to deliver the least worst Brexit for her country, that she wishes to do so as part of the Tory Government and that she is determined to avoid a no-deal scenario but will not be able to do so with only the support she has had to date and that of the DUP. Rather, she will require support from the Opposition. How confident is the Tánaiste that she will receive such support?