Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I asked the Taoiseach whether he had met the Government of Gibraltar, which might seem like a left-field question. The Taoiseach's response was that as a Crown dependency he did not meet it and is not contemplating it. The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, is seeking a special status for Gibraltar, where 96% of the people voted to remain. He says there is an existential threat to its survival. It is in favour of the four freedoms, including the free movement of people, because to operate it is dependent on 12,000 people moving in every day. I understand its official position is to seek a special status to be included in the scope of the European Union treaties without formally being a member. It is citing the deal and arrangement for Andorra, Lichtenstein and San Marino in this regard. It would be useful for the Irish Government at least to explore what options in the British negotiating positions are been discussed for Gibraltar and whether they have any relevance with regard to the situation on the island of Ireland, as referenced by Deputy Adams.

See this speech in context