Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I only learned of this horrific incident in the Chamber this afternoon, having been in committee all morning.

Following on from Deputy Crowe's question, does the Government have a view on the length of the extension? I understand the UK has requested an extension to 31 January. Does the Government consider this extension sufficient or another deadline that might not be met?

What is the difference between the original withdrawal backstop and the new arrangement put in place last week, which has been described as a frontstop rather than a backstop? There has been a substantial change such that what is now provided for appears to be closer to a promise than a legally binding backstop. The words, "unless and until alternative arrangements can be reached", are set out in the original text. The new arrangement provides that consent is to be invested in the Stormont Assembly, to be renewed every four years, which does not provide the guarantee that the original backstop intended.

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