Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Anybody who takes the time to read the document will see very clearly in the text that there should be no threat or perceived threat, real or otherwise, in regard to the unionist community in the North.

The interpretation of this text will be crucial. The question I put to the Tánaiste was, following the conversation with Theresa May and her agreement to publish the legal documents relating to the withdrawal agreement prior to a vote in the House of Commons, whether the Government thinks it is appropriate to do that here. I listened to the comments of Theresa May in the House of Commons just before I came to the Chamber. She addressed the Irish protocol and said that it is not legally acceptable under Article 50 to establish a set of permanent relationships in the withdrawal agreement. That calls into question the permanency of all this. I understand that Theresa May must do what she has to do, and she has a difficult task in the time ahead. We also must do what we need to do. Brexit is not fleeting. It is here and it is real. The House shares an understanding of the impact Brexit can have, so it is important that the legal advice on the permanency and certainty of the Irish protocol would be provided to the House in whatever form is suitable. That should be taken into consideration by the Tánaiste and the Cabinet and it should happen before a vote in this House.

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