Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome and share the very strong view the Taoiseach has expressed of adherence to the Good Friday Agreement. That progress came after a very protracted and vicious conflict and it was hard-won on all sides. The Taoiseach is aware that this internationally-binding agreement recognises the Border as a contested border and that the matter is contemplated within it. The agreement also makes provision, as the Taoiseach rightly points out, for the democratic and peaceful means by which partition might be ended, with the consent, it goes without saying, of people North and South. I agree with the Taoiseach on all of that.

My question was rather more pointed. When the Taoiseach thinks out loud that Brexit might spur or cause what he called, if I am correct, an uncomplicated route to Irish unity, I want to understand what that means. I am not asking the Taoiseach to act in a pre-emptive or coercive manner and nor would it be acceptable for any Taoiseach to do so. That is not the point I am making. I am asking the Taoiseach to pin his colours to the mast as regards Irish unity over the medium and longer term. Is this something to which the Taoiseach aspires as Head of Government? Will he be part of a dialogue and a respectful, democratic conversation about the reunification of our country?

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