Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the situation we now face on this island in relation to the protocol and the situation we were sprung into at the weekend by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he put himself into the equation. It is important that Members of the Upper House and the Lower House stand strongly together on this issue because we need to find a mechanism on this island to move on with the EU.

What has taken place is disturbing, as is the agenda that Boris Johnson and the European Research Group, ERG, in the Tory Party are setting. I also ask the DUP to have courage on this issue. Moreover, we need to encourage Prime Minister Sunak to show leadership and drive on. We cannot afford to wait any longer or play any more games with Northern Ireland. I feel that is what is happening with Boris Johnson and other people who do not have concern for Northern Ireland in their hearts.

The Northern Ireland economy has done very well and has completely outshone the mainland UK economy. That is embarrassing for Boris Johnson and those who push the policies they have tried and failed to deliver through Brexit. They could not find solutions and they pushed agendas that were wrong and reckless. We all need to collectively stand up and say enough is enough, that we want to move on collectively on this island and that it is time for a deal.