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

I have repeatedly thanked Fianna Fáil and other parties in this House for the support they have given to the Government's negotiating position on Brexit. Political unity in Ireland has been a key factor in allowing us to take clear positions that have subsequently resulted in achieving solidarity across the EU and has played an important part in helping us to get a wording across the line that protects core Irish interests.

Regarding the text of the agreement, it is only a draft agreement in the sense that it is awaiting approval by the European Council. This is a text that has been agreed between the negotiating teams and by the British Government and to that extent, it is not a draft text. It is now the text and it is not going to be reopened. The Spanish have some concerns with the agreement as it relates to Gibraltar but it was very clear from the General Affairs Council meeting yesterday that while we want those issues addressed, the text should not be changed now. It has taken two years to put that draft withdrawal agreement together. It is sensitive and difficult and represents a compromise on both sides, with the EU and the UK both trying to accommodate the other's concerns. It is a balanced text that is good for the UK as a whole and protects core Irish concerns and mitigates potential damage. I do not believe that it will change and it is not open for change. What will change, however, is the political declaration on the future relationship. That was a short, seven page skeleton document last week which will become at least a 20 page document. Hopefully, we will see the wording of that later this evening or tomorrow. We know that Prime Minister Theresa May is planning to travel to Brussels tomorrow to meet Jean-Claude Juncker, presumably to talk about the final wording of that declaration, in the build-up to a summit on Sunday which I hope will be successful for both sides.

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