Brexit leadership and timing
Deputy McGrath pressed the Taoiseach on the need for an interim Brexit deal and asked who would lead Ireland when negotiations intensify. The Taoiseach said he would make the case strongly at the 29 April European Council and insisted he would not be out of the picture.
I welcome the Taoiseach's acknowledgement of the need for an interim trade deal to ensure there is not a cliff effect in March 2019 when the UK exits the European Union. That would be devastating for many thousands of Irish businesses and potentially many thousands of jobs in the country. That must be acknowledged. The Taoiseach has made it clear he intends to remain in his position to attend the European Council meeting on 29 April. The man sitting next to him, the Minister, Deputy Noonan, yesterday called on the Taoiseach to be in that position when the negotiations get under way in early June.
One of the main contenders for the Taoiseach's position, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has said he expects the Taoiseach to set out shortly a process for the election of a new leader of the Fine Gael Party. We need to know who will be in charge when these negotiations get under way.
It is not a laughing matter. With all due respect, the Taoiseach once famously said, "Paddy likes to know".
Comment on this
At a time when we are entering the most critical negotiations for the future of our country, we need to know who is in charge. The Taoiseach has personally taken on overall responsibility for Brexit for managing the process and leading the negotiations on Ireland's behalf. Who will be in charge when Ireland enters these negotiations in late May and early June? The people deserve a straight answer.