Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not our business to go against the result of any democratic vote taken in anyone else's country. For a long time, that was the great irritant in our affairs, in that others decided what we should do. One does not have to agree with the outcome or the policies of those who are elected. In Ireland and the United States Sinn Féin has argued with US Presidents, including personally, on foreign policy, particularly on Palestine, Cuba, Afghanistan and Iraq, and we will continue to do so.

What steps will the Government take to support the retail sector in the light of the currency fluctuations arising from the Brexit decision in England and Wales? Some €52 million has been set aside in capital funding in 2017 to support the enterprise sector and assist Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in responding to Brexit. Given all of the uncertainties, difficulties and pressures, InterTradeIreland's quarterly business monitor reveals that 97% of our businesses are not ready for Brexit. Is the Government considering providing additional supports for exporters to meet the challenge of Brexit? Will the Taoiseach commit, having failed to do so as clearly as he should have, to building support for designated special status for the North within the European Union in keeping with the result of the vote of the people there and tailor Government policy to meet that objective?

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