Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Last week, the Taoiseach used quite strong language about the nature of the deal struck when he said that it was bulletproof, yet we are all aware of and concerned by the rather definitive comments given by Secretary Davis from the British Cabinet. Anybody who knows Irish history would be particularly worried and, at this time of year, I am sure the Taoiseach may recall the Roman god Janus, the god of openings and beginnings, but also the god that is two-faced. Looking at Irish history, people are understandably concerned and worried, notwithstanding the subsequent retraction and rather stronger statements in the British House of Commons in the debate when Ms May gave her take on events yesterday. Is the Taoiseach concerned that this tacking backwards and forwards, in a very long British tradition where Ireland is concerned, is significant, and perhaps understandable? What does the Taoiseach feel he needs to do tactically and strategically to address that?

There has been a great deal of positive goodwill for Ireland which is very important for future negotiations. What needs to be done to restore trust in that indication, if not a solid agreement, that the Taoiseach himself said was bulletproof? What does he want now in the structure of the negotiations which seem like they will only really commence after the meeting in March? What does he require? Do we now require a significant and specific Irish presence attached to the Barnier task force? It is now going to move into the minutiae under a number of key headings of negotiation and while being one of 27 has been a great strength and I have no difficulty with that, we also have to be able to explicitly look after Irish interests and border interests to ensure that there is no hard border. The statements at the weekend were contradictory.

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