Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have the right personnel and the right vision in relation to this. To back up that assertion, I point to the fact that our national interest in the Border in relation to the movement of people has now been recognised in the draft negotiation mandate that has been provided by the European Council and has also been recognised in a mandate that was drafted by the European Parliament. Not only the needs, in particular, of Border communities who the Deputy referred to, but the broader imperative of ensuring we do not return to a hard Border are recognised and laid out in each of those mandates. The negotiation letter that was issued from the British Prime Minister, Mrs. May, also made reference to these issues and the value of the relationship with Ireland. That did not happen by magic. It happened by persistent and hard work from the individuals whom the Deputy is understandably raising with me here today. We have much work to do - we have years of effort in relation to this - but those interests have been clearly recognised.

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