Mr. Brendan Gleeson:

Yes, that is one consequence but the consequences could be worse if we did not have a protocol or the Windsor Framework. I do not believe the position of this State in the Single Market is under threat at all because we now have a framework of agreement which determines with clarity what the Northern Irish authorities are supposed to do and what we are supposed to do. In the same way as we rely on competent authorities in every member state to do their job, we must rely on the competent authorities in Northern Ireland to do their job. We have regular contact with them. I would say the relationship is very good.