Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to the Cabinet committee on Brexit. Further to the point I raised the last time we discussed these matters, has the Taoiseach sought Ireland's participation in the Barnier oversight group? On the last occasion I suggested that because of the unique impact of Brexit on Ireland, we should seek the chairmanship of that oversight group. I understand that the position has now gone to a Belgian civil servant. Does Ireland, at the least, have membership of the oversight group? If we do, who is on that committee to represent us?

I understand the Taoiseach is bringing a memo to Government next week on the issue of the Border and Brexit. Will the Taoiseach indicate to the House what exactly is envisaged in this paper and in broad terms what he might be telling the Cabinet? As I have said, the view last week of the frictionless Border as envisaged by the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom seems to be unobtainable if one listens to Mr. Lux, the former head of customs within the European Union.

See this speech in context