Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept the Deputy's starting premise. For the past 18 months, Ireland had been preparing for the possibility that there might be a Brexit vote. On the day after the vote, we published a comprehensive document setting out the main priorities, in so far as we saw them, arising from that decision of the UK people. On 9 September 2016, I delivered a detailed paper at the Oxford Union setting out the priorities that we see as important. The Deputy's party was represented at that conference.

I also set out the need for deeper analysis of the key issues, challenges, risks and opportunities for Ireland. I referred to the need for greater levels of public consultation and engagement around those issues. I outlined the need for deeper interaction with all our EU partners, the EU institutions and, increasingly, with the Barnier task force in order to ensure that our concerns were fully understood and respected. In addition, I highlighted the need to consider the economic implications for economic policy more generally and, where appropriate, specific measures to deal with the Brexit-related developments. Some of these were contained in the budget 2017 measures and others can be found in the action programme of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, which assesses the implications involved.

Other parties have detailed papers in respect of the issues that will arise in the agri-sector - with particular reference not only to the economy of the North and South but also to that of the east and west - in respect of which we have a trade surplus of over €1.3 billion. Obviously, by setting out all of that long before the UK Prime Minister was even elected, we committed to maintaining our place as one of the 27 member states of the European Union. As I said, our collective goals remain the same. In her speech last week, the Prime Minister referred to the current uncertainty relating to the Northern Ireland political situation. She reinforced the view that I have already outlined for Deputy Adams.

The Deputy makes a point about special designated status. When he gets the opportunity, I would like him to explain what he means by that. We have particular circumstances that are recognised in Northern Ireland arising from the Good Friday Agreement. Northern Ireland is the only location in the European Union where they apply. The rights of the citizens both North and South - which they voted for - are enshrined in that internationally-binding agreement. It has been lodged with the United Nations and supported by Europe, the United States, the British Government and the Irish Government.

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