Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

All the economic indicators point out that Ireland would be most adversely affected by a hard Brexit. The Barnier task force, which has been doing quite a deal of work, is well aware of the priority attached to Northern Ireland and the peace process, as indeed is the British Government and the British Prime Minister. I have said what our priorities are on many occasions already.

It must be remembered the Netherlands, Denmark and Spain have serious economic interests with the United Kingdom also. They are concerned with issues such as people living in one country or another. We have a common travel area which covers not just travel but rights of residence and right to work.

From the contact we have had with all the Ministers across the different Councils, everyone appreciates there is only one peace process supported by Europe in the European Union, the one dealing with Northern Ireland. This is a particularly special and unique case with a particular set of circumstances. We want to be able to build on that. When we look at what we have to do with the capital review programme and the longer-term vision for the country on an all-island basis, we will continue to support infrastructure, where possible, in Northern Ireland.

I will be one of the 27 Heads of State but it has changed since Deputy Burton’s time. There are no officials in the meeting with the Minister or myself. I am one of 27.

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