Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree that the statement made yesterday by Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the British Labour Party, is a potential gamechanger. Mathematics in the British House of Commons mean amendments tabled to the Trade Bill, if supported by those who said they will support them - indeed some Tory backbenchers have tabled amendments - together with the Labour Party and others could potentially ensure the negotiating position of the United Kingdom is to have a customs union as the outcome. That would be a huge relief to the people North and South on the island of Ireland. Ultimately, it would be to the benefit of the British people themselves. Has the Taoiseach anything to say on that?

My colleague asked, in respect of the visit the Taoiseach made with the British Prime Minister to Belfast on 12 February, whether he was assured in advance of it that a settlement had been arrived at. Who instigated that visit? Was it the Taoiseach and his office who suggested it to the British Prime Minister or was it the British Prime Minister who suggested to the Taoiseach?

Is he seeking an intergovernmental conference? Both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, previously called for it. As far back as December it was suggested one would be convened during the course of 2018. Where stands that call now? It was understood that if a settlement was not brokered by the parties in Northern Ireland, that would be the next step. Is that step being taken?

I refer to comments made by the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Boris Johnson, comparing the Border between Northern Ireland and the Republic to the border between Camden and Westminster and that it would cause no more disruption than a congestion charge monitoring device does in London. Has the Taoiseach anything to say about that?

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