Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Most people I spoke to were very pleased with the tone of the visit of the First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon. As the Taoiseach is aware, she has been forthright in indicating her preference that Scotland remain in the European Single Market. She has also said that a referendum on Scottish independence is on the cards. I believe people here are impressed by that type of leadership.

In regard to Ireland, there is a recognition at EU level of the special circumstances that pertain to the island of Ireland and so it is entirely rational to argue for the North to be designated special status within the EU, which is what the people voted there for. There are precedents for doing that. It is also logical, rational and compulsory for a Taoiseach to argue for Irish unity. In her address to the Seanad, the First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon, said that we are living in unprecedented times and these unprecedented times require imagination, open minds and fresh thinking. We need to ensure political stability, economic prosperity, trade relationships and jobs on the island of Ireland if we are enhance all sections of our community. I ask the Taoiseach to reflect on the First Minister's statement to the Seanad that we are living in unprecedented times in response to which we need imagination, open minds and fresh thinking. In my view, as a member of the European Union we have an obligation, and the right to do so, to bring forward a proposal, under Article 48 of the treaty of the European Union, for Northern Ireland to be given the special status for which Sinn Féin and others have been advocating and for the people of the North voted.

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