Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not responsible for newspaper reports that may consist of second or third-hand information so I am glad the Deputy has raised the issue here again. I have dealt with it on a number of occasions. Brexit is one of the most critical issues of the past 50 years and will impact this country more than any other European country. That is why we have a particular interest in maintaining the links we have with Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom and preserving the peace funds and INTERREG funds and so on that we have. We have made it perfectly clear, however, that the question of a united Ireland is contained in the Good Friday Agreement, which I support fully, and of which I, as Head of Government, am a co-guarantor with the British Government. The Good Friday Agreement and its successor agreements contain a very clear measure to the effect that if people north and south of the Border decide by referendum that there should be a united Ireland, they should have that opportunity. We support this measure. My point, as articulated at the function at which I spoke, is that this measure must be part of a continued guarantee of the negotiations that will take place between the European Union and on our future relationship with the United Kingdom.

This is an internationally-binding agreement, signed and accepted by everybody. The observation and fulfilment of the Good Friday Agreement and its successor agreements are binding issues for both countries. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, has been at pains on so many occasions to refer to this repeatedly in his conduct with associations and people in Northern Ireland. The North-South Ministerial Council knows this is part and parcel of the ordinary work in which we are involved.

I will answer the question the Deputy may be asking. Does this mean that a Border poll is imminent? No, it does not. Does it mean that the Government is calling for a Border poll now? No, it does not. Does it mean that the Government is looking at the longer term as to what the people in Northern Ireland and the Republic might do in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement? We will guarantee that right and opportunity is protected in the language of the future negotiations. This is an international, legally-binding agreement of which the Republic is co-guarantor and it will be followed through on fully. That time is not now, Deputy McDonald.

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