Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I raised this issue with the Taoiseach on numerous occasions, both as Tánaiste working with him in government and subsequent to the general election. I see no compelling evidence that this Government is ready to face the difficulties and rigours that the Brexit negotiations will bring. I advised the Taoiseach months ago to give consideration to the giving of responsibility to a senior Cabinet Minister who would be the line leader because, as Taoiseach of the country, inevitably he is not able to do everything himself.

Perhaps the Taoiseach will enlighten us because there are interdepartmental rivalries. His Department has grown bigger, yet we have expert diplomats in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who will have to do an awful lot of the groundwork. However, where are the skilled negotiators of trade deals and the skilled lawyers? We have outstanding people who have served at a very high level at different times and in different functions in the European Union, yet we get the sense that the Taoiseach is top-down on his own expanding Department and that there is a rather more minor role given to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

As a country, we are not putting our best foot forward in protecting our interests as well as those of the North and the whole island. The Taoiseach owes us a convincing explanation.

It is one thing to be able to whisper in Angela Merkel's ear but trade negotiations are tough stuff in which experts need to be involved.

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