Mr. Carmelo Abela:

I thank the members for their welcoming remarks with respect to my visit here and also for their interesting questions and comments. Regarding the backstop, as I said in my opening remarks we support the Irish position. It is good the EU 27 remain united on this issue. It is good for the European Union, at least for the EU 27, and it is important we remain united.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to go to Cavan County Council next to the Border and it provided a different perspective to the declarations we usually make. I agree with my colleague who said we need to meet, discuss and see the situation with our own eyes and look into the eyes of the people who will be affected because after all Brexit is not only a political issue, it will have an impact on the people. In terms of meeting the people who might be affected by these kinds of decisions, it is important for us as policymakers, politicians, and as their representatives to understand the hardship they might have to experience. The current situation is creating a great deal of uncertainty. We do not know where we are going or what will be the impact of Brexit, which, as was said, will happen within four or five weeks. It is like preparing for the unknown.