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

On the Port of Dover, while we discuss these issues with the UK and the EU, we do not control all of the levers. That is the truth. Similarly, the British Government does not control what we do at Dublin Port or Rosslare. We continue to advocate to try to ensure that the landbridge remains a viable option for bringing goods to and from our market.

There were some unfortunate headlines in the Irish media last week around trade wars on beef and using that sector as a way of putting pressure on the Irish. In response to those headlines, I got a call from my counterpart, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Mr. David Lidington, MP, who was concerned about them and made it clear to me that they were not coming from the British Government. I believe him. My relationship with him is good and we talk to each other in a very blunt and honest manner about all of these things.

However, that is not to say that there are not elements within the Westminster system that are frustrated that they cannot get over this issue of the backstop and want to see some pressure being applied to Ireland. Similarly, comments have been made here about putting pressure on the system in Westminster to get a deal done. That is the nature of politics when there is an impasse, but trying to put Ireland under pressure in terms of beef is not a tactic or official position being adopted by the British Government. It is a big issue, but one that we want to resolve together.

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