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

I have a further question arising from the discussions between the Minister and his colleagues in Europe during the past week. In the context of all issues discussed, can the Minister deduce from what happened that the relative position of Ireland is as near as possible to what it was heretofore given that any disadvantage arising therefrom would have serious consequences for Ireland? Is it generally acknowledged that Ireland is geographically on the periphery of Europe, even more so following Brexit? This is a distinct disadvantage as we now know. Notwithstanding the strong support we received from European colleagues, which we greatly appreciated, we should not allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of security or into the belief that we are through that. We are now going to be judged on a different level and this could have serious consequences for us because we still have to transport goods and services throughout or around the neighbouring state and into the European Union before we come into the area where we are at the centre of activity. Our hearts might be in Europe but our geographic location places us somewhat at a disadvantage. The Minister might respond to those two points.