Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The strategy statement is fairly harmless but not terribly useful either. It is quite woolly in nature with very few tangible and firm commitments, deadlines or action points. It sets out six priorities which no one could argue with, although one could certainly add more. The one I want to focus on is Brexit, which is priority (e). There is reference to a workforce planning report in quarter one of this year. Given that his Department is taking the lead role in respect of Brexit, can the Taoiseach confirm what resources are now available in that Department to deal with the Brexit challenge? It would be useful if he could outline that to the House.

I would be the first to admit that I do not know a huge amount about the parliamentary liaison unit. The Taoiseach has said that it relates to the interaction between Government and the Independent members of the Government. Is it focused solely on the interaction with the latter members of Government, or does it also involve interaction with Independent Members of the Opposition who may or may not support the Government? In practical terms, what does that liaison unit do?

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