Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. Fianna Fáil very much welcomes the forthcoming debate which we requested. My party welcomed the draft withdrawal agreement between the UK Government and the EU. The agreement represents a positive step towards a potential deal. However, its ratification is not a certainty. Fianna Fáil has been accused by the Tánaiste and members of his party of playing politics with Brexit which is simply not the case. We have been generally very supportive of the Government's negotiating position on Brexit and have never sought to undermine the national position. We have put on the green jersey, so to speak, and have been advocating for the least damaging Brexit possible for the island of Ireland. The Government may not like it but it is our responsibility and right, as the main Opposition party, to ask questions and though it may be difficult for the Government at times, we will continue to ask those questions. We will not apologise for holding the Government to account, particularly in regard to one of the greatest threats ever faced by this State.

The Tánaiste met Mr. Michel Barnier yesterday. I ask him to update this House on that meeting and what was discussed. The withdrawal agreement is a draft agreement at present. Does the Tánaiste envisage any changes to the agreement as it is currently drafted and is there room for manoeuvre?

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