Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Will the Taoiseach agree that a special status is needed for the island of Ireland, both North and South, with regard to the Brexit negotiations? As the country most affected by the proposed Brexit, it is inconceivable that our interests will be amalgamated with those of 27 other states.

The Taoiseach has already told the Dáil that he will be among 27 other Heads of State at the final meeting, which will go on through the night, judging from previous meetings. While he will probably be allowed one senior diplomat in the vicinity, the Taoiseach will be the decision-maker. It is not adequate that Ireland does not have separate representations for its serious issues. There is a Franco-German alliance, as well as a series of other alliances, among the other 26 member states. That is realpolitik. The Taoiseach is well-respected and well-known among the 26 other countries. However, there is an old saying in diplomacy, “Countries do not have friends, they have interests.” Our primary interests are the hundreds of thousands of jobs in the Republic and the significant number of jobs in Northern Ireland.

Based on the Belfast Agreement, I propose the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - the island of Ireland - should be a specific strand of the Brexit discussions between the European Union and the UK. Otherwise, we are simply part of the 27 versus the UK. Notwithstanding the Taoiseach’s frictionless and seamless relationship with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, we are in grave peril and jeopardy.

See this speech in context