Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we have heard, last week the Taoiseach told the Dáil that the triggering of Article 16 would be irresponsible, unwise and reckless. It certainly looks as though that is about to happen. Is that the Taoiseach's understanding of the position? It is totally unnecessary and will be seen as a hostile act. It would add to political instability in Northern Ireland and cause economic disruption on the island of Ireland. The breach of trust would further damage relations between the EU and UK and it would lead to a deterioration in British-Irish relations, which are at a low ebb at present. If the UK triggers Article 16, the EU is sure to retaliate in some way. Tariffs could be imposed by the EU. There could be a trade war. Ultimately the trade and co-operation agreement could be suspended and in 2022, we could be back to the possibility of a no-deal Brexit again. This is in nobody's interest. We need calm heads and to be solution-focused. Ireland within the EU would have a big role to play in formulating the EU response. Procedures are in place for the triggering of Article 16. A month's notice must be given and the provisions of Annex 7 would kick in. The triggering does not abolish the protocol, as we know.

I want to ask the Taoiseach about his personal relationship with Boris Johnson. I know the Taoiseach's policy is to engage directly with political leaders and to build up personal relations with them. How would the Taoiseach characterise his personal relations with the Prime Minister now? As he has been critical of Opposition leaders in the past for not consulting and engaging with dialogue, I would be interested in his response. Will the Taoiseach impress on the Prime Minister, the next time he meets him, that he has to engage with the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement? Both Governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. They have to act impartially. The peace process is fragile. It needs the two Governments to support and engage with it and the ensure the full implementation of all the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.

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