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

We are engaged in ongoing communication with the DUP. Sometimes it involves direct meetings, sometimes back channels, and sometimes officials talking to one another. I have always said, however, that we talk to and consult all parties in Northern Ireland, not just one. We need to listen to all their concerns. The DUP is a very important voice in Northern Ireland but it does not represent a majority there. While the DUP has a special relationship with the British Government in the form of a confidence and supply agreement, which makes the relationship a close one, I hope we have a relationship with all political parties in Northern Ireland that allows us to meet them and listen to their concerns. Later today, the Taoiseach and I are meeting a series of parties in Northern Ireland here in Leinster House.

The answer to the Deputy's question is that the DUP does understand the Irish Government's position, as I hope do all the other parties in Northern Ireland. What we are looking for is an outcome that everybody can live with, protects thestatus quoas much as possible and does not interrupt in any major way trade between Northern Ireland and Britain but at the same time honours the commitment on guarantees to have no physical border infrastructure on the island of Ireland.

Any issues relating to contingency planning linked to Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, Dublin Airport or other airports may involve businesses having to alter their normal export or import patterns. That is why we are holding big meetings with businesses on getting Brexit-ready. There will be one in Galway tomorrow, weather permitting, and we were in Cork last Friday. We want to ensure that businesses understand the potential consequences of Brexit and that they prepare and invest accordingly.

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