Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. There are few occasions when most, if not all, of the House is in agreement with policies that we have been pursuing for the past number of years, particularly on Brexit. Our bilateral relationship with the UK is of paramount importance to us. I appreciate that the Taoiseach's discussions with the new Prime Minister are probably at an initial stage, given his recent appointment. As my colleague mentioned, the issues relating to Brexit and the protocol are of paramount importance to this jurisdiction. The issues relating to the various legacy Bills that have been referred to, in particular the amnesty Bill, and our future relationship are also of critical importance. Some economic results were published earlier regarding the responses of countries post the Covid pandemic and to the war in Ukraine that show the UK is struggling when compared to the other nations within the EU and on the European Continent. In fact, I believe it is last.

With regard to those bilateral discussions on the protocol, does the Taoiseach believe there has been any formal shift or realisation that in order for the British Government to properly deal with these issues it has to do so in co-operation and consultation with the EU and our Government and unilateral action will lead to the potential destabilisation of a portion of our island, which would be detrimental? Will the Taoiseach take the opportunity during his next discussion with the Prime Minister to raise issues relating to potential terrorism threats in Northern Ireland, particularly in light of the recent attack in the North? I also ask the Taoiseach to comment on the legacy Bill specifically, which is of grave concern to many.

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