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

First, I will challenge a couple of points the Deputy made. What is being delivered is not a hard Brexit. We do not know yet whether it will be a hard or soft Brexit. That will be determined by the future relationship discussions. What we have delivered to date is a withdrawal agreement that protects core Irish interests in key areas - the peace process and preventing physical border infrastructure. Whatever happens in the future relationship now, we have that deal done, and if there is a future threat of no agreement on a future trade deal and because of an absence of an agreement, World Trade Organization rules applying to trade, we will still have the Northern Ireland issues resolved.

I am confident that a sensible trade deal can be done that allows for tariff-free and quota-free trade between the EU and the UK, but for that to happen the UK must give reassurance to the EU that there is a fair and level playing field for that trade in terms of equivalence of standards across so many areas, including workers' rights, environmental rights, consumer protections and animal welfare.

That is what the free trade agreement negotiations over the next year or so will be about.

I am confident that we can get a good deal. Whether it will be possible to get it done in 11 months is a different question. I do not think we should be distracted by the UK legislating domestically and tying its hands with its own legislation. The EU will approach the negotiations in the way that it would be expected to, which is to focus on content and getting this right. This will determine the relationship between the UK and the EU for decades to come. It will not be rushed. At the same time, however, everybody wants to move on and get this done in a timely manner to end the uncertainty that continues to revolve around Brexit.

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