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

There is a lot there. I am not going to be able to answer all of it. I would happily answer in some detail if Deputy Donnelly wants to talk to me about it later.

Our understanding, and I think anybody's understanding reading the words that were agreed and put down in black and white regarding "maintaining full alignment with the rules of the Customs Union and Single Market" is clear. It is clear to me what that means, "in order to maintain North-South co-operation and the all-island economy". The EU task force is clear what that means. We have checked that. If others want to make commentary seeking to recategorise what that means, that is a matter for themselves. However, as far as the EU negotiating team is concerned, it is negotiating on our understanding of this and we need to ensure that is part of the withdrawal agreement. I heard some concerning commentary in front of a committee in London yesterday. I will have an opportunity today to meet some of the members of that committee who are in Ireland. I think that will be a useful discussion.

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