Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his telephone conversation with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, on 16 January 2017; the issues that were discussed; if no special status for any devolved Administration in Northern Ireland was mentioned; if there was discussion on immigrant screening or Border control before her speech on 17 January 2017; and if there are plans to meet her to discuss Brexit issues and the way they apply to the island of Ireland. [2732/17]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2. To ask the Taoiseach the outcome of his discussion with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, regarding her 12-point plan for the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. [2739/17]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

3. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his engagement with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, on 16 January 2017. [2762/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

4. To ask the Taoiseach if Ireland will be part of the direct negotiations on Brexit, particularly in regard to the Border with Northern Ireland, the impact of exiting the European Union and the possible exit from the customs and trade agreement, which will automatically result in a return to borders on this island. [3071/17]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

5. To ask the Taoiseach his discussions with EU leaders and the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, on the possibility of a hard Border between Ireland and Northern Ireland; and his plans to avoid this outcome. [3238/17]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

6. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his engagement with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, during her recent visit to Dublin. [4070/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

7. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with Prime Minister May on 30 January 2017. [4116/17]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together.

My meeting with Prime Minister May yesterday covered a wide range of issues. We discussed the recent political developments in Northern Ireland and the implications that Brexit will have for the North and for relationships across these islands. We reiterated our joint and continuing commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions and our shared desire to see a fully functioning Executive back in place as soon as possible. We agreed on the importance of our two Governments working together to ensure that the frameworks of the Good Friday and successor agreements are fully preserved in the upcoming Brexit negotiations and outcomes. We discussed the necessity of ensuring the continued free flow of trade on the island and the need to avoid a hard Border. I made clear to the Prime Minister that, in my view, any manifestation of a hard Border would have very negative consequences.

We agreed that we both want to see a close, friction-free economic and trading relationship between the UK and the EU, including Ireland. Prime Minister May and I also reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining the common travel area and agreed to continue working together to this end. I emphasised to the Prime Minister the importance of finding a way forward on outstanding commitments, particularly on issues such the legacy institutions under the Stormont House Agreement, and the Irish language. Our discussions also covered the importance of our future co-operation in key areas, such as agriculture and food, energy, security and criminal justice, education and culture. Our two Governments are agreed that a close, trouble-free, economic and trading relationship between the UK and the EU, including Ireland, is in our best interests.

I had previously spoken with Prime Minister May on the evening of Monday, 16 January, when we discussed the situation in Northern Ireland and repeated our desire to see the institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement operating effectively, and in particular to have a fully functioning Executive in place as soon as possible following the election. We also discussed her speech on Brexit, scheduled for the following day. In that speech, the Prime Minister provided some important clarity on the proposed approach of the British Government to the Brexit negotiation process. I note, however, that there is still a lot of detail that remains to be set out as we move towards those negotiations commencing.

From our perspective, our overall negotiation priorities remain unchanged. These are our economy and trade; Northern Ireland, including the peace process and Border issues; the common travel area; and the future of the European Union. I am under no illusion about the challenges that remain to be addressed. Ministers and I will continue to meet and engage with our EU counterparts over coming weeks to emphasise Ireland’s concerns and to ensure they are fully reflected in the EU position once negotiations commence. This activity is reinforced by extensive engagement at diplomatic and official levels. The Government is acutely aware of the potential risks and challenges for the Irish economy and will remain fully engaged on this aspect as the negotiations proceed. I believe that, from my discussions with other members of the European Council and the EU institutions, there is a good understanding of the significant implications for Ireland arising from Brexit. While this does not, of course, guarantee that it will be possible to mitigate against all the negative consequences of the UK's eventual departure from the EU, it is vital that we continue to engage with our EU partners and the EU institutions in order to defend our interests to the greatest extent possible.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is seven months since the Brexit referendum. The failure to go beyond generalities has now gone from frustrating to causing widespread concern. In past negotiations, such as those on the fiscal treaty and EU debt terms, the Taoiseach perfected a strategy of refusing to say what he was looking for until the negotiations were over, after which he would declare the negotiations as a major triumph for Ireland. The worst example of this was, of course, when he said we were about to get billions for bank recapitalisation. We both asked for this and received exactly nothing. The Taoiseach will remember that famous meeting. This cannot go on.

The Taoiseach keeps on saying everybody is in favour of maintaining the common travel area and protecting the Good Friday Agreement but nobody has spelled out what that means. The common travel area has always been about more than just presenting passports at the border; it is about an automatic right to work, claim social protection payments, use the health service, vote and gain access to the education system on the same terms as citizens of the relevant jurisdiction.

There are three major urgent matters requiring clarification. Has the Taoiseach said to Prime Minister May that we will not agree to diluting the role of the European Convention on Human Rights in Northern Ireland's peace settlement? Second, has he said to her that any amendment to the role of the European Union in the Northern Ireland Act 1998 must be subject to previous negotiation? Finally, has he said to her and the European Union negotiators that Northern Ireland residents must retain their core rights as EU citizens? Northern Ireland will have the largest bloc of EU citizens living outside the European Union after Brexit. These are very basic questions. These are fundamental points that should not be open to negotiation. Could the Taoiseach indicate whether he asked those three specific questions of the British Prime Minister?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes, I discussed the question of human rights with the Prime Minister and made the very point that we do not want to see any diminution of human rights in any changes contemplated by the British Government or in the Human Rights Act. I understand that is not the immediate focus of the British Government at present.

If there is any change to the role of the European Union in the Northern Ireland Act 1998 or any change contemplated, we will obviously be on the side of the 27. Any change signalled would, of course, have to come before us, including the Barnier task force and, eventually, the European Council directly. That has not been raised directly with me.

With regard to Northern Ireland, obviously when people voted for the Good Friday Agreement in the North and South, they did so with the expectation of their being able to enjoy the rights, privileges and benefits of EU citizens. We want to see that maintained. We will work very hard in that regard. I do not want to see any change from what the people voted for and what was confirmed North and South.

The Deputy referred to generalities. Of course, this has gone on now for quite some time but we agree that there should be very good working relationships and that we want no change to the common travel area, which gives people a right of movement north, south, east and west for social purposes, residency and work. The Prime Minister is very committed to that, as are we.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We understood from Prime Minister May yesterday and reports in the British media that the Brexit legislation is likely to come before the UK Houses of Parliament for voting in or around 7 March and that at that point she will be readying herself for the EU summit meeting of Heads of Government in Malta. The timelines are getting very much shorter. Thus far, the Taoiseach has been giving us general outlines of his wish list but he has not told us in any detail Ireland's list of "must do's" regarding Brexit. While there has been much focus, understandably, on the implications for cross-Border activity between the North and South and for the island of Ireland, the fact remains, nonetheless, that in the Republic alone Brexit has implications for tens of thousands of jobs.

Has the Taoiseach proposed to the British Government that the Brexit legislation should include a clause relating to Northern Ireland and the fact that people there have not voted for Brexit and, under the Belfast Agreement, have a special relationship with the rest of the island?

We also want to know about simple matters-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No, Deputy. We are out of time and will have none for-----

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----like the recognition of teaching qualifications in the South, the North and various parts of the UK. There are complex and simple issues that we need to know about.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I discussed this with the Prime Minister last night. I understand that the legislation is starting today in the House of Commons. It should be finished there by around 7 February. She might be in a position on 9 March to have that matter completed and to move Article 50 before the end of March. I asked that perhaps we might have a clearer view as to when Article 50 would actually be moved so as to be more acquainted with what might be in the letter that is going to accompany it from the British Government to the European Commission.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What did she say?

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

How did she respond to that?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I had contact with Mr. Mark Durkan, MP, the other day in respect of Committee Stage of the Bill in the House of Commons. He made the point that we needed to look at the implementation bodies that were set up under the Good Friday Agreement because they were predicated on the dispensing and disbursal of European funding under various headings - INTERREG, PEACE funds and so on. There is €3 billion there out to 2020, as the Deputy is aware. The MP intends to table amendments on Committee Stage in the Bill in the House of Commons reflecting that.

We have to devise possibly a new structure here in respect of what is going to happen when CAP dries up. Who will deal with the subsidies there? When Britain stops payments into the European Union budget, are these subsidies to be reduced? How do we regulate the payments through INTERREG and PEACE funding? These are subject to many of the sectoral committees that we are now engaged in, which will come to a head again on 17 February when we have another all-island forum dealing with a whole range of sectoral issues where options have been put forward by voices from business and different sectors that are very useful for us as we prepare.

There will be another question, I am sure, a Cheann Comhairle.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I listened intently to the Taoiseach's report and to what he and the British Prime Minister stated yesterday. I saw no mention of the Taoiseach defending the vote of the people in the North to stay within the EU. If he will be straight about this issue, I want to know whether he argued for the North to be given a specially designated status within the EU. As I have often told him, there is a logic behind this. It is the only way to ensure that there is no land border on this island between the EU and the British state. Did the Taoiseach make this proposal to the British Prime Minister?

A report of the policy department of the citizens' rights and constitutional affairs of the European Parliament published a report that specifically warned that Brexit would affect the Good Friday Agreement. It claims: "The impact (of Brexit) will be political, in particular since the Good Friday Agreement - an international agreement - will require alteration". It also warns about "the re-establishment of a hard border between the north and the south" and the "reversal of improvements in cross-border trade." While it acknowledges the positive impact of EU funding streams in the past, it states that will not be the case in future and there will be a negative financial impact.

The weekend saw the British Secretary of State deciding, on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, that investigations by the PSNI and others into past events were too greatly focused on the actions of the British Army and other state forces. That followed a whole series of attacks on the Public Prosecution Service and the Lord Chief Justice. None of these claims is true. What is true is a desire on the part of the British state and some Unionist parties to provide immunity to British soldiers and others.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Did the Taoiseach challenge the Prime Minister on this?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Before I call the Taoiseach, we have just a little over a minute left, so can we take ten minutes from the remaining groups of questions?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Agreed.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will we take ten minutes from the second group?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

From the third group.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sorry. Is it the second group?

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Why the third group? The second only has two questions.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The second group.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We have to make a decision-----

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes. The second group.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----on whether to take ten minutes from the next groups.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Can we take it from the second group because there are fewer Deputies in it?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Can we take ten minutes from the second group?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I love it.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We can or we cannot.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On a point of order, I do not mind co-operating, but that last intervention took the biscuit.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Why? It made perfect sense.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

If it happens to come from a certain quarter, we dispense with the rules. No 15 minutes. I have been very gracious every week. I do not mind giving up time and so forth.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Okay.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is very good.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is he not great?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Last week, the same thing happened and Deputy Howlin lost time.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We will influence-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We are going to lose out. Basically, it means that there will be just two question slots. It is calling for a review of this process. That is the point that I was going to make.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is fine.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is happening every week. We are taking ten minutes from subsequent questions. There are three 15-minute slots. If ten minutes are taken, we are de factotalking about two slots. We can take five minutes from each slot. I do not mind.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What is the agreement?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ten minutes from the second slot. That is the consensus.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Agreed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sorry?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No, that is not what Deputy Martin said.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Everyone else has a different view, so here we are.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

More Deputies have indicated to speak in the third slot-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tyranny of the minority.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----which is why I suggested that it be taken from the-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are four-----

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

May I debate the point-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

How many Deputies does Deputy Coppinger represent?

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----or does Deputy Martin want to talk over me?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I represent 44 Deputies.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We should all go home, so.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin resents anyone else speaking in the Dáil-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Come on.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin is right.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----but the Trump issue, if the House does not mind me saying, trumps the second slot's issue on many grounds. No. 1, there are more Deputies involved.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Can we proceed?

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No. 2, it is more important.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

These are the procedures, are they not?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We will proceed with this item. My apologies, Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The murder in Aleppo trumps an awful lot of issues in the House, but there was silence from the other side. Double standards.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy did not care when there were loads of massacres.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I discussed the fact of the vote of the people of Northern Ireland with the British Prime Minister.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I asked whether the Taoiseach defended it.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I also noted the fact that she was in Cardiff yesterday meeting with the devolved assemblies. I noted in particular that she received a plan for the future from the First Minister of Scotland and from the First Minister of Wales, Ms Nicola Sturgeon and Mr. Carwyn Jones. Unfortunately, because the Executive was deliberately collapsed by Sinn Féin, there is now no leadership to present a plan to the Prime Minister from Northern Ireland.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is our leader.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We did have generally the same direction and objectives with the former First Minister, Ms Foster, and former deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness, which was to be welcomed, at the North-South Ministerial Council. It is important to say that I discussed with the Prime Minister the particular and special and unique circumstances that apply in Northern Ireland that do not apply anywhere else in Europe, which de factomakes this a special case.

Deputy Adams asked me about having a situation where there is no land border between the Republic and Northern Ireland. I am not sure that we are going to achieve that.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I did not ask about that.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have made the point very strongly that we will not have a return to a hard Border or, as they say, the borders of the past.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

How is the Government going to achieve that?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I made the point to the Prime Minister that this would be very controversial, would bring with it serious implications, and we are not going back there.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am sure she was impressed.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I think-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Let me just make this point, a Cheann Comhairle. There might be another question when I might return to answer this.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No, we are moving on to the second group of questions.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In that case-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On a point of order,-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No. Resume your seat. We are moving on to the second group.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I asked the Taoiseach a question-----

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is grossly unfair to exclude-----

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----about the remarks made by the Secretary of State, but he did not answer.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am sorry, but there was no agreement on what the alternative arrangement would be.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There was.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There was not agreement, Deputy Howlin.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That means that, if I stand, I can use up ten minutes arguing about procedure to exclude Deputies.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There was time, Deputy.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is unfair.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We are moving on to the second group of questions.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I tabled questions. The Labour Party has a voice in this and I would like to be able to ask the question. This is grossly unfair.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We have heard Deputy Burton on this particular matter.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What does Deputy Howlin mean? The Labour Party has asked two questions.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I sat on the reform committee with the Ceann Comhairle-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----for very many meetings. I understood that all Deputies were to be treated equally in the House.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Was I wrong?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

You were not, but we do not have agreement-----

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Why am I the only Deputy with a question in this group of questions who is to be excluded?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The time ran out and there was not-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A Cheann Comhairle-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Wait.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have no difficulty with giving five minutes to Deputy Howlin.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Just wait a minute, Deputy, please.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We would have asked and answered-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Time ran out and there was no agreement.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----the questions. Deputy Micheál Martin invited a procedural debate and got it from the Deputy opposite. He used up the time in which I could have properly put a question.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Come on.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

These are important issues for our people.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No, just to be clear.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A Cheann Comhairle, could I make a proposal?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is grossly unfair.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The clock stopped while we considered the procedure we would adopt. We did not have agreement. Deputy Martin proposed one thing. Deputy Howlin and Deputy Adams proposed something entirely different.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Then you should have looked for consensus.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the absence of an agreement, therefore, I suggest we proceed to the next group of questions.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

If I could make a very brief proposal, could we provide an extra five minutes to allow Teachta Howlin to put his question but perhaps the Taoiseach would also answer my question which he refused to do? With the agreement of Teachta Martin will you, a Cheann Comhairle, allow his colleague five minutes?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Do Members agree to give another five minutes?

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

So we will not get the third-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes. I am a very reasonable man, but the issue still needs to be reviewed because it cannot be done under the existing rule.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the statement made yesterday jointly by Prime Minister May and the Taoiseach that they wanted a seamless and friction-free Border. That sounded to me like a very good soundbite. Could I ask how they jointly agreed to achieve that because if the UK exits the Single Market and the customs union unilaterally that would change the legal definition of the Border between the Republic and Northern Ireland? I do not know whether the Taoiseach had an opportunity to see "Newsnight" last night but that is exactly the point that was made again by the appointed person from the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt. How is that objective to be achieved?

I have two brief supplementaries. Has the Taoiseach thought about the possibility of sectoral agreements to cover vital interests between Britain and Ireland in parallel to the negotiations. Finally, does the Taoiseach have legal advice on whether the final agreement will require ratification by a referendum in this State?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Howlin's first question is in respect of the seamless frictionless-----

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Seamless and friction-free border.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The lycra option.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Friction-free, frictionless border.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sir Humphrey formula.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What I pointed out to Deputy Burton in response to her question is that if the legislation has gone through by 7 or 9 March, before the meeting in Malta, the Prime Minister will then at some stage move to trigger Article 50 by letter to the Commission. That letter is important because therein lies the key to what it is we are talking about. In her speech at Lancaster the Prime Minister referred to the fact that Britain is withdrawing from the Single Market. That brings its own implications. We want the common travel area retained. We also made the point that the UK has not defined exactly what it wants in respect of the customs union, whether it is full membership, associate membership or non-membership.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What did the Prime Minister say?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That question must be addressed by the British Government. I discussed it with the Prime Minister last night and it is not for me to pre-empt what it is the British Government will decide in that regard, but that is the area where the negotiation will be critical when the talks start. If we want a seamless, friction-free, trouble-free Border that is the crucial area to be negotiated. The Prime Minister is very much aware of that now.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Could we now move on to Questions Nos. 8 and 9?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What about the other two questions?