Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

Our aim is to have a united Ireland and it is the aspiration in Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution. However, the Deputy will know better than me that these issues are sensitive and complex and we do not wish the Unionist community to perceive a threat or that we are trying to take over their authority. I understand the Deputy's viewpoint and I have sympathy with what he is suggesting, that efficiencies could be delivered by having a single entity but this would have to be agreed with the Northern Ireland Executive and would require a change in an international treaty. This would be as much a matter for the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade as it would be for me.

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