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

It is somewhat regrettable that Fianna Fáil seems to be changing its position in terms of how it approaches Brexit from one of consultation with the Government to one of trying to find ways of undermining and criticising what the Government is trying to do. This is regrettable, but it seems to be the case.

Yesterday was a big step forward on the Irish issues. Do not forget that Ireland was the first country in the European Union to ask for a transition arrangement for a number of years. When I was asked in the past what I thought would be necessary in terms of transition I said four years would be closer to what is needed than two years. The EU task force has looked at an appropriate transition period for the EU. It has looked at two years and there is an option to extend it should it be necessary. There is an obvious backstop in terms of the end of 2020, because that is when the multi-annual financial framework and budget of the EU comes to an end. This is an obvious period by which we would look at ending a transition period after Britain leaves the European Union in 12 months. The fact Ireland was the first to ask for this, and the fact what was agreed yesterday was exactly in line with what the EU task force, which includes Ireland, looked for in terms of transition, whereby Britain would be required to ensure the full EU acquisapplies for that period, including in areas such as fishing, which are controversial, is a success in negotiation, in terms of what a transition period will look like, to provide certainty for businesses. The only issue where there may be some uncertainty is whether further extension will be necessary at the end of that close to two years.

This is a negotiation. The Deputy seems to expect that all the answers will be provided in the space of a number of days. What we got yesterday on the Irish Border was also a success because since December, until now, the interpretation that most of the British commentary put on the agreement in December was they would first of all look at an option A, which is a comprehensive trade agreement between the EU and UK that would solve the Irish Border issues. If this is not possible they would look at an option B, which is a bespoke solution for Ireland to try to solve the Border issue. If option B is not agreed then they will look at fulfilling their commitment under option C, which is a backstop to maintain full alignment with the customs union and Single Market. Now what we have is an agreement from the British negotiating team to put that backstop in the withdrawal agreement first, so we know there is a floor below which we cannot fall. They have made it very clear now in what they have agreed in the text of the draft withdrawal agreement that Britain has signed up to that the backstop solution for the Border between Northern Ireland and Ireland is in line with paragraph 49 of the joint report we agreed before Christmas. They have also agreed that as a matter of urgency they will engage in negotiation to put a legally operational backstop in place in the withdrawal agreement and that negotiation will start as soon as next week.

The Deputy should inform himself of what constitutes progress.

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