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

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. Dealing with the Assembly elections and the efforts to put a new Executive in place in Northern Ireland, can the Taoiseach outline to the House how he sees that happening? I think we all agree that fresh elections or a return to direct rule are not desirable or acceptable options. I do not see how they would advance the peace process and bring about the stability that is required for the peace process to continue to flourish. If it is Sinn Féin's position that it will not accept Arlene Foster as First Minister pending the outcome of the investigation into the cash-for-ash scandal, and she has not acknowledged or accepted that position, then how will that circle be squared? What initiatives are the Taoiseach proposing with Prime Minister May to break the impasse? There is a very serious impasse there which needs to be resolved.

On the issue of Brexit, which the Taoiseach also discussed with the Prime Minister on 9 March, did he raise with her the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's statement that there should not be any special status for Northern Ireland as a result of these negotiations? It is difficult to see how we are to achieve our objectives of free movement of people, goods and services and of a seamless Border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if there cannot be some special status recognised for Northern Ireland. How can Ireland achieve all of those objectives while the UK leaves the European Union and potentially leaves the customs union?

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