Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The European Council met again at another significant point in the Brexit discussions. As the Taoiseach knows, the Commission's Vice-President, Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, published proposals last month designed to address concerns about the protocol and ensure it is workable for businesses and communities. The EU and Britain are continuing talks on this issue. I want to make clear yet again the resounding support for the protocol in the North of Ireland and across the rest of Ireland. Despite the loud claims of a small minority in political unionism, the vast majority of people in the North accept the protocol and want workable solutions. The protocol is the best way to protect the all-island economy, prevent a border in Ireland and protect the Good Friday Agreement. It offers opportunities for businesses in the North to have what might be called “the best of both worlds”, with access to both EU and British markets. Businesses are increasingly speaking of the unique advantages and opportunities the protocol affords them. Trade across this island is booming.

British negotiators have recently claimed the European Court of Justice is a new barrier in talks. It is clear that this is yet another red herring. It must not be allowed to serve as an excuse for Britain to block further progress. The role of the European Court of Justice in overseeing the protocol is essential for fair oversight. Its role is therefore off limits, and it must not be allowed to become a sideshow to block solutions.

As discussions between the EU and Britain continue, I want to stress again the importance of sensible, pragmatic solutions. Following through on threats to trigger Article 16 would push economic and political relations across these islands into a new and unprecedented crisis. The Tory Government and its Brexit fellow travellers need to step back from the brink now.

It is time for leadership and dialogue. That is what the people of Ireland need. As talks continue, will the Taoiseach make it clear to the British Government that it needs to engage in the talks in good faith? Will he make it clear that Ireland will never be the collateral damage done by the British Government's reckless approach to Brexit?

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting homes right across Ireland. Bills are soaring while wages remain the same, putting more and more pressure on households' finances. Rent and bills for childcare, groceries and energy have skyrocketed.

We must do everything in our power to stand up for workers and families hit by this cost-of-living crisis. That must mean action internationally as well as domestically.

I raised earlier with the Taoiseach the issue of cutting VAT on energy costs to give ordinary workers a break from sky-high bills. As he knows, the EU can approve a VAT reduction to facilitate this. The Czech Government, which is experiencing energy price rises similar to those in Ireland, requested this just weeks ago.

In his remarks, the Taoiseach said the cost-of-living crisis, particularly the issue of the cost of energy, is a pressing area of concern. I do not note great urgency in his approach to all these matters. I asked him about VAT earlier today but he did not answer my question. Therefore, I will reiterate my call. I want him to approach the Commission with a view to achieving a VAT rate of 0% on energy for the winter months, on a temporary basis, to afford some relief to those who are struggling badly just to make ends meet. If this were a pressing area of concern for the Taoiseach, he would have taken that action and would not need me to propose it to him here.

Will the Taoiseach direct the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to use his influence in this matter because rhetoric will not cut it and kind words will not pay anybody's bills? I want the Taoiseach to stand up for workers and families facing a spiralling energy-costs crisis and ensure they get the help they need.

Ireland's fishing communities continue to be failed by the Government. Before the Taoiseach went to the European Council meeting, I urged him to stand up for Irish fishing communities and make clear the absolute need for the full reform of the Common Fisheries Policy so our fishing communities can have just a fair chance, a fair share and the prospect of a livelihood. I can judge by the Taoiseach's response to my colleague Deputy Mac Lochlainn that he did not make that case. The Government must make it on behalf of our island and fishing communities.

See this speech in context