Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. He stated he met Scotland's First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon, at the British-Irish Council meeting in Cardiff, rather than in Dublin. I am glad the bilateral relationship is still strong and warm and that Ireland and Scotland share many common interests. Did the Taoiseach discuss with the First Minister the various scenarios in terms of Scotland remaining within the European Union? Is it the intention or desire of the First Minister that Scotland remain within the European Union? How does Scotland see itself in terms of the broader United Kingdom negotiations with the European Union?

I take it that First Minister Sturgeon was, as she has stated publicly, absolutely committed to Scotland retaining access to the Single Market because it is, to use her words, "the least worst outcome". Did the Taoiseach discuss with the First Minister her meeting with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, in October? What is instructive is that following that meeting, the First Minister said that from everything she had "heard today in Downing Street there isn't yet a UK Government negotiating position."

Does the Taoiseach agree with the First Minister's assessment of the British Government position being one that is devoid of a clear negotiating position? Given that the Taoiseach is on record as saying that there has to be some accommodation, understanding, reflection or acknowledgement of the majority vote in Scotland being to remain in the European Union, did he discuss with the First Minister the idea that at some time in the future Scotland will either remain or be part of the European Union? I accept the Taoiseach's assurance that the issue of independence was not discussed. Nonetheless in the overall mix, in terms of the interaction between the UK, the European Union and Scotland, what is his assessment of where Scotland will want to go in terms of the Brexit issue?

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