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

The most recent conversation I had was with Mr. Jeffrey Donaldson at the Fine Gael national conference. I have not had any detailed discussions. I suspect there may have been some back-channel conversations between the Government and the DUP but certainly nothing of any real substance. I do not get the impression that the DUP is proposing to change its position so we are now focusing on the talks between the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. It will be no news to this House that I am in regular contact with David Lidington in particular but we also reach out to the Labour Party to understand its approach to the discussions between the two parties. I do not believe we should comment on the progress or otherwise of the talks because they are at a sensitive point. They are continuing this week, as one would expect. Of course, the hope is that the Labour Party and Conservative Party will be able to agree a middle-ground position that may involve a change of approach to customs issues and alignment with the Single Market. Obviously, it will involve a discussion in regard to a confirmatory people's vote as well but that is a political matter for the two parties concerned.

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