Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there will be tweaks or legal interpretations put on the backstop in the withdrawal treaty as reported in an editorial (details supplied). [10593/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, including its backstop provisions, is an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement. The EU has consistently made clear that the Withdrawal Agreement will not be renegotiated and nothing can be agreed that contradicts or undermines the legal operability of the backstop.

In a joint statement with President Juncker Prime Minister May acknowledged the EU position as set out in the letter of Presidents Tusk and Juncker of 14 January. This letter made clear that the EU will not agree to anything that changes or is inconsistent with the Withdrawal Agreement.

Following their meeting on 20 February, Prime Minister May and President Juncker tasked their teams to explore what further reassurance could be given with regard to the backstop to underline once again its temporary nature and give the appropriate legal assurances to both sides. They also agreed that in the context of the work on the future relationship their teams should look at  the role alternative arrangements could play in replacing the backstop, and whether additions or changes to the Political Declaration could be made, consistent with EU and UK Government positions, that increased confidence in the focus and ambition of both sides in delivering the future partnership envisaged as soon as possible.

Discussions between the European Commission and the UK Government are continuing.