Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take on board and understand the Senator's concerns. Many are concerned by statments made more recently since the Prime Minister's speech. I reaffirm the commitment made by her that the birth right to identity and to be accepted as British, Irish or both, and the right to hold both British and Irish citizenship are absolutely central to the Good Friday Agreement. We absolutely intend to ensure the Prime Minister will uphold that commitment. What we would like to see is the outcome of the review which was announced and for which the Tánaiste has specifically asked. Whether it is in the overall negotiations or in our engagement with our EU and UK colleagues, we are stressing that in any scenario, whether it be a deal or a no-deal scenario - we are working towards having a deal in order that we can work towards having a future relationship - there must be a transition period to work out some of the more complex issues such as the rights of and access for citizens of Northern Ireland if they choose and wish to exercise them. In any scenario in the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union the obligations and commitments of the Irish and UK Governments under the Good Friday Agreement must remain. The rights and entitlements of Irish citizens in the context of not only their identity but also citizenship must be upheld. We will do everything in our power to ensure that will happen.