Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was wondering whether that was a gong sounding.

I will draw attention to a couple of issues that arise on foot of Professor Maher's submission. We have all been discussing the backstop and its impact on Ireland in particular. The HSE appeared before the committee and went through the minutiae of the issues that are being discussed at this meeting. The HSE indicated that it has identified every option and pitfall that might arise in the transition period and thereafter. I wish to raise one or two points in that regard. Professor Maher stated that the UK would be freer to enter into trade deals, as it will not be in the customs union. That is true, but any deal or free trade arrangement it enters into with the EU or others must have regard to the extent to which it might undermine the existing arrangements within the EU. Were that not the case, a country could leave the EU and enter into all kinds of arrangement that would undermine the Union and, consequently, fragment it. I am worried about this matter because my understanding is that it cannot happen. Were it possible, the Union would disintegrate in a short space of time. The basis for that disintegration could occur during the transition period. Will our guests comment on this issue?