Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A few days before the Taoiseach went to Davos, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, was publicly corrected by the Tánaiste and subsequently ridiculed by Fine Gael Ministers when he said that a no-deal Brexit would require extra checks at the Border. Despite this, in Davos, the Taoiseach not only said this but also went far further and started talking about the Army being sent to the Border and soldiers being at the Border. We have no need for another around-the-houses self-justification for what was a clearly and deliberately chosen set of words. I asked this last week. I am seeking some basic clarity.

Brexit is due to happen in 52 days unless the UK Parliament and the European Union adopt another legal mechanism to go into a transition period or delay Brexit. The Taoiseach has repeatedly said that the absence of a transitional period and something like the permanent backstop would inevitably lead to cross-Border disruption. No one is threatening Ireland with this. This has been our Government's position from day one and it was on this basis that the Taoiseach asked the European Union to adopt a particular strategy. This being so, it is well past time for a direct answer to the question. What will happen at the Border in 52 days if there is no deal? I asked the question last week and the week before and I received no answer. I suggest every community and business in the Border area deserves clarity on this. They need to know what they will be facing in 52 days if there is a no-deal scenario.

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