Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Everything I say must be taken in the context that Sinn Féin has not seen the text of the deal which the Taoiseach outlined yesterday. I thank him for the briefings. Tá Sinn Féin buíoch don Taoiseach, don Tánaiste agus dá gcuid oifigigh.

The Taoiseach should also know that Downing Street is briefing today that the text was not finalised, that those involved were still going back and forth and that the British Prime Minister did not have enough to go to her Cabinet, agus tá sé sin mar eolas don Taoiseach, b'fhéidir.

From the very beginning, Sinn Féin has said that what is required is a designated special status for the North within the European Union. We are not precious about what it is called but we are certain that any deal must ensure that the North remains within the customs union and the Single Market. That is the only way of ensuring stability and certainty for Irish agriculture and business as well as Irish people's lives, prospects and prosperity.

That is not the only issue. Citizens' rights, access to the European Court of Justice and access to European institutions needs to be firmly bedded down. As I understand it, those matters have yet to be agreed. Ensuring that these requirements are met is common sense. It is also, crucially, what the people of the North voted for. Despite the claims of the DUP, this will not change the constitutional position of the North. I say as much as someone who is offended every day by the divisions on this island, including the Border and partition.

We have always said that the Tory deal with the DUP would end in tears. However, we should also not underestimate the consequences of that deal. It has been played out in Stormont in recent times and yesterday in Brussels.

More enlightened members of the DUP know that a special arrangement needs to be struck for the North. They know that this is not a case of orange versus green. Yet, we should not underestimate the contrariness of some of their leaders. Despite this, all of us who live on this island collectively, including the DUP, must protect each other and plan intelligently for a future for everyone.

I genuinely wish the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, all the best in their endeavours in the run-up to the meeting of the European Council on 14 December. However, let us be clear: no matter how diplomatically the Taoiseach may have to put it, his Government needs to stand up against the narrow interests of the DUP and the English Tories. It is about getting the best deal for all of the people of the island of Ireland.

Can the Taoiseach guarantee that his Government will not accept any deal that does not ensure the North remains within the customs union and the Single Market? Can the Taoiseach guarantee that his Government will not accept any agreement that does not have the legal and political infrastructure of the Good Friday Agreement hardwired into it?

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