Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to highlight my huge concerns regarding the actions of the Democratic Unionist Party, DUP, agriculture minister. It is very concerning that he would go on a solo run to obstruct, increase tensions and order workers at ports to break the law and cease checks that were put in place by an international agreement passed by both parties to that agreement, namely, the UK Government and the EU. These are sinister electioneering tactics by the DUP. This morning we heard that the DUP First Minister will apparently resign this afternoon, which is another tactic. It is shocking and it is an absolute betrayal of people, businesses and the communities, never mind a breach of international law.

The UK Government needs to intervene and the EU needs to stand up strong against this. It needs to stand up and accept that Brexit is actually happening. It is actually the largest procrastinator regarding Brexit. If the DUP had followed the original deal of the former Prime Minster, Theresa May, Brexit would have been done, oven-ready and cooked. We probably would be on our way to digesting it at the minute if it had backed Theresa May. An awful lot of the DUP's problems at the minute are its own fault.

I also want to highlight another campaign - a positive campaign. I am referring to the Count Her In campaign that will be launched tomorrow on the birthday of my hero, Constance Markievicz. When I was growing up, Constance Markievicz was a portrait on my wall and I took my confirmation name as Constance. When I found out about her - not in history class, but on my own time - I thought if she could do it back then, I could do in the future, coming from the wee corner of the Cooley Mountains. It is absolutely important and the value and quality of debate in this House having 40% women is notable. There is a far greater and diverse range of topics in consideration in this House, having 40% women here, compared with looking back on previous Seanaid. More women is absolutely a positive thing and I am sure all Members would agree.