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

First, I note that we are trying to find all-island solutions to the challenges posed by Brexit. That is exactly what we have been doing for almost three years now. That is why we are looking for alignment; to protect the functioning of an all-island economy. That is why we are trying to protect the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions, even though those institutions are not up and running right now. The all-island approach is central to finding solutions to the challenges Brexit throws up. However, we also have to recognise that there are different perspectives on this island, particularly in Northern Ireland, and we also have to listen to and understand the concerns and fears of unionism as well as nationalism. That is what we are trying to do. I do not believe that now is the time to set up a forum on Irish unity, which is how this would be seen. There is already enough tension and difficulty between communities. There is a lot of fear and we need to provide certainty and calm. That does not mean we will not think about these issues in the future.

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