Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government is right to guard against any potential backsliding away from the deal that was announced last week. Translating it into binding legal text in a draft written agreement would be an important step in that regard.

What has been said over the past number of days makes that even more important. I am seeking to clarify the Government's position on the question of the transition period. Ireland is now, hopefully, about to commence the phase two negotiations. The Tánaiste has said that he favours a transition period of up to five years. Perhaps the Tánaiste will clarify this and confirm it as the formal position of the Government as we enter into the phase two negotiations. However long the transition period will be, is it the EU and the Government's position that the UK would remain within the Single Market and the customs union during that period so there is a defined transition window? We know what we are working towards but while that window is open, firms and businesses could have that certainty. My key point is to clarify the Government's position on the duration of the transition period as we go in to these negotiations.

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