Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Deputy's sentiments. I am acutely aware of concerns unionism has on the operation of the protocol. I believe the EU is aware of that too and that, through meetings over the past year, Vice President, Maroš Šefčovič, has made himself aware of those issues and concerns and is anxious to respond to those concerns. We have also been very anxious to allow space to the EU negotiating team and the UK Government negotiating team. There are issues. We have acknowledged and accepted there are issues, through our meetings with unionist parties and all parties, including on the nationalist side and businesspeople who have raised issues around practicalities in the protocol's operation. I have always believed these issues are resolvable. We should just allow the teams to continue their discussions. There are challenges and there are difficulties, and while we should not underestimate the difficulties, we should wish them well.

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