Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It has been a long time since the Brussels summit and much has happened in that time. What is the Taoiseach's view on two particular interventions, one from Commissioner Phil Hogan suggesting there should be a shift in Ireland's EU relationship? He went on to say there should be a move towards Brussels and away from ties with Britain.

He also stated that, post Brexit, Ireland will need a different set of relationships with the EU. I am keen to know the views of the Taoiseach on this intervention, given that Commissioner Hogan was a close adviser of the Taoiseach at one stage.

A second intervention since the Brussels summit was made by a former Irish diplomat. Dr. Ray Bassett suggested that an Irish exit from the EU needs to be considered if Brussels fails to offer satisfactory terms. He went on to say that the country needs to stand up to Brussels in EU negotiations surrounding Brexit. What are the thoughts of the Taoiseach on those two particular interventions?

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