Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

He has appointed John Callan as a second Secretary General to lead a new division dealing with Brexit in the Department. It is important that we put Brexit in context. The Government is not standing idly by. The Taoiseach is not just sitting in his office twiddling his thumbs. He is travelling Europe and negotiating quietly and effectively with other European and world leaders. It is important that we remain committed to getting a very good deal for our country. I accept there are huge challenges facing Ireland. Those of us who attended the IBEC briefing on Brexit this morning and who understand the situation from our dealings with various organisations realise it is important that we have a co-ordinated approach. I accept Senator Leyden is involved in Europe himself. It is also important that we do not try to score political points. We must ensure we have a strong interest in terms of the North but equally in terms of this country and the various component parts of the economy.