Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 16, inclusive, together.

I met British Prime Minister May on Monday, 12 February, in Belfast. We were joined in our meeting by the Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, and the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Karen Bradley. In our discussions we assessed the state of play in the negotiations to restore the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly. We agreed on the need to continue to encourage the parties to reach an agreement so that functioning institutions can recommence work in the interests of the citizens of Northern Ireland.

We also discussed Brexit and I made clear once again that we have to see the agreement reached in December reflected in the withdrawal agreement. This means dealing with the Border, including spelling out "regulatory alignment" in detail as part of the backstop agreed in paragraph 49 of the December joint report. This is to apply in the event that agreement cannot be reached on an alternative solution, options A and B. This does not preclude exploring the other options proposed by the UK Government in parallel. I made clear that we were open to that work progressing around option A in engagement with the Barnier task force. I have consistently said that the best outcome would be a solution to the Border under the overall EU-UK framework, and we will continue to work on this resolutely. We also discussed the importance of agreement on a transition period to preserve the status quo. The UK Government has indicated a wish for a transition, or implementation phase as it describes it, of approximately two years. The EU 27 proposed a period to the end of 2020, which is a 21 month period, thus aligning it with the EU's multi-annual financial framework.

I spoke again to Prime Minister May yesterday evening. We again discussed Brexit and I reiterated our preference that a solution on the Border be found within the overall future relationship between the EU and the UK. At the same time I pointed out the necessity from the EU side to have the detail of the backstop option spelled out in the draft legal text of the withdrawal agreement. This to apply in the event that a better solution cannot be agreed. We will continue to work with the Barnier task force and the United Kingdom to explore other options on the basis of whatever proposals the UK puts forward.

During my visit to Belfast, I also met representatives of Sinn Féin, the SDLP, the Ulster Unionist Party and the Alliance Party to discuss the negotiations on the restoration of the Executive. I regret the fact that, in the intervening period, the talks process has stalled again. Power-sharing and working together are the only way forward for Northern Ireland. The Government has consistently stated that the restoration of the institutions is essential in the context of full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The Government will continue to work very closely with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties to achieve this outcome.

The Tánaiste and I met the president and vice president of Sinn Féin on Monday, 19 February, to review recent developments in Northern Ireland and events leading up to the breakdown in talks on Executive formation last week. I spoke to the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, later by phone that same evening. I made it clear that as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the UK and Irish Governments have a shared obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of that agreement. I emphasised the Government's full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, our determination to secure the effective operation of all its institutions and our opposition to any reintroduction of direct rule from London. Finally, the next meeting of the British-Irish Council will be held in Guernsey on 21 and 22 June.

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