Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Has the Taoiseach reflected on the potential, in the context of the structure of the peace process and the Belfast Agreement, for the development of a separate strand, among several strands, to deal with the issue of North-South relations on this island? Such a proposal was put forward by a former leader of the Labour Party and Tánaiste at the time, Dick Spring. It would serve the Taoiseach and the Irish position very well given our uniquely intertwined trade and other relationships with the UK and the issues between North and South. Will the Taoiseach consult on this proposal and give it due consideration?

Will the Taoiseach confirm that the person representing the Government on the team led by Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, is a civil servant from the Republic of Ireland? Is that person a diplomat or trade expert, male or female? Will Taoiseach tell us who the person is and what previous position he or she has held in public or other service in this State?

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