Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with much of what has been said. The mood music seems to be better when dealing with the British Government. The Taoiseach has said the Irish protocol is working, particularly in relation to business. We are hopeful there will be a deal between the European Commission and the British Government. That needs to happen as soon as possible. We also want to see the Executive up and running. We do not accept there is a legitimate reason for it not to be up and running but the DUP has set itself up in what I would term a political cul-de-sac. That is for its members but we need to ensure all stakeholders know there can be no return to anything that even smells like a hard border. The protocol being streamlined is to be welcomed by everybody. I acknowledge the Taoiseach cannot look into a crystal ball but does he believe there will be a deal relatively soon? Is he hopeful of having the Executive running? Anything the Government can do should be done.

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