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

I have been optimistic throughout the Brexit negotiations and it is important that we remain optimistic. There is a huge volume of work to be done, and it is very disappointing that after four rounds of negotiations, we seem to have made little progress. We need to remain focused. As an EU 27, we need to remain strong with our mandate and that which has been given to Michel Barnier, and stick to the political declaration, as agreed by the UK. In case that does not translate into a future trading relationship, we need to ensure we are prepared as much as possible. We will ensure, therefore, that over the next few months, every effort is made not just to try to reach an agreement but also to ensure that if that is not the case, we will be as prepared as we can be.

We need to remain optimistic and to do everything we can to try to reach an agreement, but time is running out and we need to be realistic. The shorter the time we have, the more difficult it will become.

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