Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The simple answer to the first question on whether the systems are in place to address all these issues is "Yes". They are there in a formal sense within the withdrawal agreement, the trade and co-operation agreement and the protocol. The Irish Government is fully part of that. Despite the fact that it is directly between the EU and Britain, we are fully involved. Those systems were not used in this particular context. That is part of the problem but there are ongoing engagements between Dublin and London also at a political level, which is very important. When this matter first arose the Taoiseach was in touch with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen a number of times. He then took the opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Johnson. There is still ongoing contact between Michael Gove and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, as well as ongoing contact at official level and on the ground. I am absolutely satisfied that the contact is good. It is fair to say also that Vice-President Šefovi and Chancellor Gove have shown themselves to be very good at working together in everybody's interests. I am absolutely confident that will continue.