Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We did not get a veto as the Spanish did in the case of Gibraltar because the situation is entirely different. We acknowledge that under the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. It was voted on by the people of Ireland, North and South, in 1998. We are satisfied that the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland have been fully recognised as part of the negotiations from the very outset. That was our objective and it was achieved. It is important to remember the future relationship agreement will ultimately require ratification by all EU member states, including Ireland.

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