Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Lord Kilclooney, also known as Mr. John Taylor, would be well advised to apologise for the slur that he attempted to cast on the Taoiseach. He is an ardent Brexiteer and has very hot feelings about Brexit but that does not permit him to use the kind of language he used yesterday. That said, the DUP heavily criticised the Taoiseach for his informal visit to Armagh and Down because local politicians were not informed in advance. There is a long-standing tradition south of the Border that when events of significance to local communities are taking place all public representatives, including Members of the Oireachtas and councillors, are invited. Given that he is still in the early days of being Taoiseach, is it his policy when he is presiding at significant public functions on either side of the Border to ensure that all local representatives are offered the opportunity to be present? The comments by the DUP are evidence of very strained relations. Has the Taoiseach been able to do anything to improve communications with the DUP? Does the Taoiseach have any plans to improve the relationship between his Government and the DUP? Who is in charge of protocol for these visits? Is it a joint arrangement between the Taoiseach's office and the Northern Ireland Office?

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