Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Soares for a helpful and balanced response. I will follow the same route as Deputy Richmond in acknowledging the centre's long work in developing co-operation North-South.

I am looking for advice in terms of the actions of politicians in the South from the centre's perspective both in terms of tone and language. Everyone recognises that there are real and practical issues to be addressed in the protocol. From an EU perspective, we are determined to resolve those and make the protocol work as practically and unimpactfully as we can. However, it is the reality that these issues are being bundled into a broader political position that often has different audiences. When one listens to Lord Frost and his commentary at the British Tory Party conference in recent days, one makes allowances for the audience, but it is a difference audience than that for the DUP and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's commentary. I am taken by Dr. Soares's advice to us to not respond to that political rhetoric or commentary but it ultimately has a destination. There is a threat from the British Government to trigger Article 16 and suspend the protocol. Equally, there is an assertion from the DUP to, within a defined and short timeline, end the institutions if these matters are not resolved. These are not matters that, if they are not addressed, simply have no consequence. Rather, they have very serious consequences. In that context, has Dr. Soares any advice for us in terms of a practical response to those issues and assertions, particularly of recent days?