Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Bruton made a reference to the legislation going through Westminster and referenced the protocol Bill. This committee had a deputation over there a number of weeks ago and I was part of a deputation in Brussels last week. I certainly share Mr. Bruton's concerns. Moreover, I also share the concerns about the legacy Bill. It was very evident during our trip to London that the Tories are determined to pass this legacy Bill which, rather than being centred around the victims is more to do with a favour by the Tories for veterans in the UK. The message we got in London was that the Tories will get this passed come what may before the next general election in the UK. We have seen the mood music with the new Prime Minister in London, which seems very good. We had a number of talks last week in Brussels. The mood music has not changed very much in Brussels. My fear is that if the Tories are so intent on passing this legislation, I do not see the protocol issue coming to a conclusion before the legislation is passed and possibly is part of the reason the game-playing continues at negotiation level. The fear is that the protocol will not change in the next six months. Where does that leave us? What is Mr. Bruton's opinion of the proposed legacy Bill that is also going through the Houses of Parliament?