Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Many of the issues being discussed are a direct consequence of the partition of the island. We have to deal with the reality of that, but the only solution is the reunification of the people and island. There is a constitutional obligation on the Government to develop a strategy to achieve that. The stance of the two main parties is that they want a united Ireland but not yet. I do not see why not. Why can we not develop a strategy?

Sinn Féin has published a discussion document and I will ensure it is sent to every Member of the Oireachtas, MLA, MP and MEP. I look forward to people's comments on the suggestions we put forward.

The posturing of the First Minister, Arlene Foster, is evidence of many of the difficulties arising from the outworking of Brexit. The last North-South Ministerial Council agreed that the two Governments would work together to ensure that the benefits of North-South co-operation would be fully recognised in any arrangement which emerges as regards the future relationship of the UK with the European Union, a very important commitment on which we need to build. That protection can best be achieved by the North being designated as having a special status within the European Union. It cannot be achieved by the North being outside the European Union. That would also be contrary to the declared wishes of the people of the North during the referendum.

Did the North-South Ministerial Council discussions cover the introduction of measures to support businesses on both sides of the Border which are suffering in the face of continuing currency fluctuations? I note the IFA has reported that beef exports to Britain have dropped by 13%. Has the Government considered those issues?

A previous North-South Ministerial Council meeting agreed on an audit to identify the possible impacts, risks, opportunities and contingencies in all sectors in the period preceding and following the withdrawal of Britain from the EU.

Will the Taoiseach provide the House with an update on its progress?

There is a huge challenge in terms of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes. This is a big concern in Border communities, including in my constituency of Louth. We also expected that the North-South Ministerial Council would discuss other capital projects such as the A5, the Narrow Water Bridge and so on. I understand that the British Secretary of State's arrogant claim that Lough Foyle is under the jurisdiction of the British Government was also discussed. Will the Taoiseach make it clear to the House and to the Secretary of State, Mr. Brokenshire, that Lough Foyle and, for that matter, Carlingford Lough are not under British jurisdiction?

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