Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies. On views on the length of an extension, my understanding is they have sought an extension for the next three months and that is what we are responding to. From our point of view, no counter-proposals or conditions were expressed in the Taoiseach's conversation with Donald Tusk but again, I can only speak for us. I cannot speak for other member states or the conversations they may have been having throughout the morning and today. On the references to a front stop and a backstop; it is on the basis that the backstop was always going to be there. It was the essential third element of the three proposals, the first and foremost being a future trading relationship that meant it would never come into force, the second being an alternative mechanism and the third being the backstop. It was always only a last resort, there "unless and until". This is why the question arises as to why have we now changed the backstop and allowed it move into something different. We have always said that if the number two position, the alternative mechanism, is there, we would be willing to accept that instead of the backstop. The backstop as it is currently being proposed in terms of this new deal is something that would come into play immediately after the transition period. It would not be something that would be there "unless and until". That may be why it is being referred to now as the front stop.

On protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Deputy Shortall's previous questions as to how this will work, obviously Northern Ireland will remain fully aligned in terms of the Single Market with goods, not just live animals or plants but in all manufacturing goods, which means they will remain aligned in upholding the rules, regulations and standards. This will be overseen by the various bodies and by the European Court of Justice, ECJ. In terms of the customs union, the Deputy is right. They will leave the EU customs union and they will remain part of the UK's customs union. There will, however, be a special arrangement specifically for Northern Ireland. What separates this and where it is important is that when determining goods moving from Northern Ireland into the rest of the UK, obviously there is no difference there, that is, between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. However, for goods moving from mainland UK into Northern Ireland, there will have to be a determination as to whether they are destined solely for Northern Ireland or are destined beyond that into Ireland or the Single Market.

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