Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing that Fianna Fáil's Brexit spokesperson, Deputy Donnelly played politics with the issue last Monday on "Morning Ireland". What we must do is wear the green jersey, which Senator Daly does, in fairness, in the context of Brexit. The Taoiseach has made it quite clear that we do not want any return to a border on our island and there is unanimity on that issue in this House. Our aim is to ensure that the UK remains within the customs union or that a new customs union is developed. I am happy to invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, to the House to provide an update on Brexit, given that he is the lead Minister in that area.

I wish to digress briefly to compliment Senator Daly on his fine performance on the "Claire Byrne Live" programme on the Irish national anthem last Monday night. I look forward to Senator Coghlan chairing the Seanad Public Consultation Committee meeting on that issue.