Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In my own precedent, I will answer Deputy McDonald first since she has asked it a number of times. It is my view that Northern Ireland should remain in the customs union and the Single Market. It is also my view that the United Kingdom should remain in the customs union and the Single Market or that, failing that, we would negotiate a UK-EU free trade agreement that is not far off Britain remaining in the customs union and the Single Market if that is possible. I did express my view to the Prime Minister, Theresa May, which is that if there must be a border, I would prefer that border would be at British ports and airports rather than on our island. That decision is not one for me or this Government. Ultimately, it is a decision for the United Kingdom and the Westminster Government.

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