Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

The Government and many successive Irish governments have made clear our commitment to that cause. We have also made clear the steps we believe should be put in place beforehand to bring us closer together and to unite this island. That is already happening. I have pointed to the work of the shared island fund, overseen by the Department of the Taoiseach, supported by the Department of foreign affairs, putting in place investments to bring us also together. I point to the work the Government has done in dealing with the consequences of Brexit. I make the case that those who point to economic consequences are not necessarily opponents. We should be able to have a fair and open debate regarding an issue that is so important. The Government will do more than debate; we are putting in place the practical steps to bring us together, as I have just highlighted.

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