Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are only 30 seconds. We are in overtime.

To answer Deputy Brendan Howlin, I did meet Mr. Mike Nesbitt, leader of the UUP, and he presented me with a document. The basis of his party's argument is the protection and progress of the economy of Northern Ireland and the good relationships it has with the Republic. The Deputy pointed to the various statements coming from elements in Britain which caused a deal of uncertainty. I hope that, as time marches on, there will be greater clarity. As the Deputy is well aware, the agri-sector and business in general are intrinsically linked with the UK market. Between the North and the South there is a market for beef, pork, dairy, milk and all other products. It has been a seamless operation for many years. A point was made to me in Newry and Carlingford the other day about the situation that applied when there was real trouble with security along the Border. Of the 200 roads leading into Northern Ireland, 18 were approved, while the others were blown up on either side. That is the way it remained for 30 years. No one wants to go back to a situation which remotely approaches this.

Deputy Joan Burton mentioned speaking to the deputy First Minister. I do not speak for the Sinn Féin Party. Its president has answered that question for the Deputy. It will not take its seats in the House of Commons-----

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