Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There were some further elements under discussion which I raised myself in respect of Northern Ireland and its re-entry without having to re-apply in the event that, by consent and democratic means, a referendum is passed in Northern Ireland wishing to join the Republic as a united Ireland.

The Deputy's point about East Germany is true. However, Ireland is in a slightly different position in that Northern Ireland is currently a member of the European Union and is the subject of an international legally binding agreement which was not the case with East Germany. There is a clear case which I am glad was accepted by the other 26 member states.

I have to be optimistic that, despite the fact we did not want this and we did not cause this, it has happened and we must deal with it. Through these Brexit negotiations, complex and difficult that they may be, we have to move on with the agenda for the European Union of the Single Market, the digital Single Market and its potential in a changing world, along with the future for prosperity, investment and job opportunities.

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