Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In fairness, I said to Deputy Howlin that all the questions have been asked, which was utterly disrespectful of Deputy Richmond. The answers were comprehensive, which is why the Deputy did not need to come back in and ask about any point that was missed.

Some of the madness we are dealing with as regards the British Government's position around Ukrainian refugees is the result of the ridiculous positions that were taken around Brexit and the whole issue of refugees. That probably makes it difficult for them as they consider where to go. Has Mr. Robertson had any major interaction with the British Government about the notion that has come out of the Home Office about security and that Ireland is a security risk because of the common travel area? The British have suggested they do not know who is coming in and out although I see that as an excuse.

The word Mr. Robertson used most often in connection with the British Government was "suboptimal". I imagine Mr. Robertson will tell the committee that consultation is tick-box consultation at best. There has been some anecdotal evidence but perhaps Mr. Robertson would like to give some details about the negative impacts that Scotland is already suffering as a result of Brexit, which was a subject he touched on. Mr. Robertson was not clear earlier. Perhaps he would like to reiterate his position on Scotland's long-term positioning. It is a question for Scottish representatives and not Irish representatives but Scotland has a particular project in place. Does it have a strategy and a timeline? If Mr. Robertson would go into whatever detail he can in that regard, I would appreciate it. As much as it is an issue for the Scottish, I would not shed any tears for any damage done to the union. That is unlikely to come as a shock to anyone. Perhaps Mr. Robertson would also share some minor details of the framework discussions he had with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney.