Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will neither impose deadlines from Dublin during a critical phase of the negotiations nor pre-empt what might happen over the next 48 hours. What I will say is that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste are very much engaged and are meeting all the major players involved. They are satisfied with EU 27 solidarity towards Ireland and in respect of our key priorities, which have been made clear since the day the British voted to leave the European Union. That solidarity remains totally in place and united. For there to be a withdrawal agreement of any description there has to be an Irish backstop, as committed to by the UK in December and as repeated by the UK Prime Minister, Mrs. May, on several occasions since. That backstop, as an insurance policy, will hopefully never be called upon to come into effect, but it cannot be temporary and it cannot have an end date. As has already been committed by the UK, it must apply unless and until a future trade relationship is negotiated.

I am sure that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have the full support and backing of this House in the challenge that lies ahead for the UK, the European Union and for us here in Ireland as well. I acknowledge the support of Sinn Féin but I have to say, a Cheann Comhairle, that Sinn Féin can do more. It criticises the DUP as well as the disposition of the British Government and the relationship with the DUP. Deputy Doherty and his party can do more work to ensure that there is a voice for Northern Ireland and that the decision on the part of the people - who voted to elect the Northern Assembly, which would consequently elect the Northern Executive - could be realised. However, that did not happen because of intransigence on the part of the DUP and responsibilities being abdicated by Sinn Féin. Therefore, it is a little rich for Sinn Féin to look to the Government and criticise the relationship between North and South when Sinn Féin has specific responsibilities, experience and, dare I say it, expertise in that regard.

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