Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. We are tight for time this morning and I appreciate that we had a good discussion at the stakeholder meeting, where many of these questions were addressed.

As the Tánaiste stated, it is likely that we will initially see a short extension up to the end of June, but that would not be without consequence. Further delays and uncertainty are already impacting on business and the farming community. Regarding the Government's preference for an extension, if we see a lengthy extension following that initial period, will there then be informal discussions and negotiations on what the future trading arrangement might look like in order to assist the withdrawal treaty getting over the line in, perhaps, two years' time?

Regarding the backstop, I understand the intention is to try to secure alternative or updated advice from the UK's attorney general, Mr. Geoffrey Cox, MP. As I have already told the Tánaiste, it is unlikely that his advice will change significantly in the absence of a legally binding change to the backstop, which we do not want to see and will not support. We appreciate that the Government will not support it either.

Will the Tánaiste touch upon the Commission and the conversations happening around an aid package for Ireland? Should the worst happen on 29 March, we need to know what money will be available to Ireland on 30 March.

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