The Taoiseach:

The problem is that sometimes we are subject to the vagaries of British politics and pressures that Governments are under at different times. The previous British Government made commitments in the general election previous to the most recent one that basically undermined the existing Stormont House Agreement between the two Governments. It was done unilaterally in the context of a commitment to a particular constituency, namely, military veterans. This shaped everything that happened subsequently. In fact, the previous British Government only informed the Irish Government what it was doing. There was very little engagement on many issues. On this occasion there is far better engagement, it has to be said.