Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If I heard the Taoiseach correctly, he opened by discussing his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the invitation to a Nordic group meeting, which is to be welcomed. Did the development of PESCO emerge as a concern for the group, of which a number are, like us, significant neutrals? What issues were of concern? We know that immigration and the portability of social welfare rights are considerable issues in the politics of many Nordic countries. The Taoiseach might enlighten the House as to what was included in the headings of his discussions with the group.

As to Catalonia, and to use the French phrase, there are many conversations en marge demeetings where people talk informally. Given that most of Europe was watching the events in Catalonia on phones, televisions and other devices, it is distinctly odd that there would not have been informal conversations at a minimum on the margins of the meeting. It would be reassuring if the Taoiseach told us that there had been informal conversations because, if there had been none, it implies a wish by some that this situation would go away or indifference to what is an historic problem.

As Deputy Howlin said, we have a lot of experience in Ireland. The way to resolve conflict is through discussion, rather than court proceedings and imprisonment which, unfortunately, seems to be the road towards which the Spanish system is drifting. That is not in the interests of the people of Catalonia or Spain.

The current position in respect of Brexit is more important, in terms of the Taoiseach's attendance at this meeting. A lot of work has been done and the island of Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Border issues were acknowledged by a variety of senior EU figures. Can the Taoiseach give us an indication of where the strategy is leading in terms of the next meeting? Has he come under pressure to acknowledge the progress made on the three significant issues outlined by Mr. Barnier?

Does that mean we are expected to nod things through, in some way, and advance to the next stage of discussions? Given the confusion which seems to exist, even today in terms of who speaks for the British Government, could the Taoiseach tell us what was discussed and what seems to be the likely outcome in respect of Ireland at the next session of the heads of government meeting?

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