Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are in active discussion with the European Commission on this issue to try to get agreement on what to do. That process is under way and I wish to give our officials the time and space to do that. That is where we are. We have a difference of view with the Commission and we are talking to it about finding a resolution. Our legal advice does not agree with that of the Commission. By the way, having a disagreement with the Commission is not unusual on certain issues. We will work through the issues with the Commission and get an agreement in place that both sides can support. That is where it is at. It would not be helpful for me to make definitive statements one way or the other in the middle of that process.