Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of the special status is repeatedly raised by Sinn Féin spokespersons. The object of our engagement, prior to reaching agreement on the guidelines, was that the unique and special circumstances on the island of Ireland would be fully recognised, appreciated and acknowledged by our colleagues. I believe we have achieved that in the context of the guidelines. I have been asked why we did not get a veto for Northern Ireland in the same way as the Spanish got for Gibraltar. I will say yet again that the legal situation is totally different. There is no comparison between references to Gibraltar and references to Northern Ireland. The unique circumstances on the island of Ireland have been recognised in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. That is why it was important that we received an acknowledgement in the guidelines as agreed on the part of EU 27 of the legal status of the Good Friday Agreement, an internationally-recognised and legally-binding document. That makes quite clear the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. Indeed, it makes quite clear the constitutional status on the island of Ireland. It is important to remember that in the future relationship agreement, the Good Friday Agreement will have paramount importance in the context of these negotiations.

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