Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, we are approaching D-Day, 29 March. Comments on Brexit still have us all wondering what Brexit actually means. The UK Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May, has reneged on her position on the backstop. In the Taoiseach's engagement with her at the dinner last Friday, did she indicate to him why she had changed her position on the backstop? Did she give any indication that she was willing to revisit our earlier position, namely, the position shared by the Irish Government and all parties in this House?

On preparation for Brexit, a colleague raised yesterday with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport a very simple matter, the ability to travel across the Border, for which we will need a green card. If the Leas-Ceann Comhairle and I want to come to the Dáil, we will have to apply to our insurance company before the end of this month, in two weeks, for a green card. If we do not have one, we could be stopped and fined as we travel through the North. Is it the same for motorists who will be travelling from Strabane across the bridge into Lifford? Do they also require documentation so as not to be in breach of the rules pertaining to their insurance?

In light of the statement by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, that there will be no need for a supplementary budget for this year in the context of dealing with a crash-out Brexit, how does the Taoiseach square the circle given that there will obviously be a need for financial supports for sectors and regions that will be hit hard as a result of a no-deal Brexit? Is the Government preparing to leave those sectors without the necessary supports? We know from all the various studies that it is my region, the north west, particularly Donegal, in addition to the Six Counties and the south east, that will be particularly hit. On the Taoiseach's table, as part of his contingency plan for a no-deal crash out, which we all want to avoid, are there proposals for financial supports for the sectors and regions?

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