Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Doherty. The Government has made very clear its preference for continued customs union between Britain and Ireland. The best way to protect the interests of the people of Northern Ireland from Brexit is to re-establish the institutions in Northern Ireland. I know this is a view that the Deputy and I share, as do the Government and the Deputy's party. I note that the leaderships of both the Deputy's own party and the DUP met with the British Prime Minister yesterday. It is the Irish Government's priority that there would be engagement with a view to re-establishing the institutions in Northern Ireland to make sure that the people of Northern Ireland have a voice at this crucial time. I welcome the fact that, despite comments from some elements within the British establishment and media, the British Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have been very clear in their support of the Good Friday Agreement, support shared by the Irish Government.

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