Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The European Union works on the basis of rules, treaties, precedent and negotiated agreements. What does not work is negotiation where a third party changes mid-stream or does not follow through on commitments made in writing. We have had very strong messaging this week from the European Parliament, from European institutions, from the General Affairs Council, from Michel Barnier himself in terms of the task force, all saying the same thing about what the EU side understands was agreed last week. Let me be very clear, Ireland's strength is being part of the EU team, 27 countries acting together, ensuring that we move ahead together. We will not look for bilateral agreements with the UK in the context of the broad negotiations-----

See this speech in context