Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate what the Chair has said. I thank the Tánaiste for his frankness and openness. I understand the sensitivity over those talks to achieve the best outcome for the entire island. Not alone is there sensitivity, but major concern. Pundits have suggested that we will experience a 6% slowdown in our economy, a loss of 55,000 jobs, a 2% increase in unemployment and a 30% increase the cost of consumer goods in the event of a no-deal Brexit. I listened to the Tánaiste speaking in the Dáil earlier today. It is important to hear him reaffirm that the buck stops at the backstop. He also gave a commitment to continued co-operation on health services operating in both directions. I would have asked about that important matter had he not reaffirmed it here today.

We are reaching the endgame; there is no doubt that the end is nigh. Does the Tánaiste believe that in the short time remaining until 29 March an agreement can be reached? If it cannot and an extension of time is sought, on what premise would that extension be granted?

The Tánaiste referred to the importance of protecting the human rights deriving from the EU and the Good Friday Agreement. How can he ensure that there will be no diminution of those rights? He referred to the agreement to continue PEACE funding.

We have had many presentations from Border communities and organisations trying to plan in respect of programmes which benefit communities, businesses and local authorities North and South. To what degree is the commitment that appears to be coming from the British Government on matching funding directed right across the North rather than focused clearly, as is needed, on troubled areas and along the Border corridor? A mapping exercise was completed by the British Government and published in December 2018. It identified 156 areas of North-South co-operation, including the implementation bodies, agriculture, the environment, health, tourism, education, including higher and further education, energy, telecommunications, justice and security, and fisheries. To what degree will the omnibus Bill published tomorrow provide legal guarantees that these areas of co-operation will be nurtured and continued going forward?