Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State's statement that a comprehensive agreement is not possible is one of which we should take note. That is serious. It is my view that the strategy of the UK in this process has always been to run down the clock to ensure that a comprehensive agreement cannot be reached. They do not want a comprehensive, quality agreement on a level playing field that would ensure protection of workers' rights and environmental standards. That was one of the points of Brexit from their point of view. The situation that they have effectively engineered is suiting their interests. They want a minimal agreement and as little time as possible in which to conclude that. That is the position we are in at the moment.

I will ask three separate questions. Two relate to the Northern Ireland protocol. On that issue, weak implementation of the protocol poses a risk. It could affect the integrity of our produce and goods and have an impact on us. The EU chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, recently said that the UK continues to backtrack on the commitments it has undertaken. Is the Minister of State of the view that this applies to the Northern Ireland protocol?

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