Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste's remarks are timely. The common travel area is something we have taken for granted. It has kept lines of communication open over decades. I am delighted that arrangements are in place in the event of a no-deal Brexit to keep the common travel area open. I ask the Tánaiste to elaborate, however, on healthcare, social security and public services. The Tánaiste says the two-year absence of devolved institutions cannot continue. What more can we do to get the parties to agree to sit together? It is causing huge difficulties in our negotiations on Brexit. I welcome the fact that the Government has provided a substantial increase of €1 million towards reconciliation funding this year, bringing the total budget to €3.7 million. While it is hugely significant, we need to do a great deal more. I have seen at first hand at the committee the extent to which, as the Chairman said, this funding has been acknowledged by all communities on the island and, indeed, in the UK. There have been calls for a Border poll. How helpful is this? Is it the right time to call for a Border poll? What should the Government be doing to keep the lines of communication open at this very difficult time?