We have had much discussion on Brexit and the issue of avoiding a border both North-South and east-west and optimising the potential economic relationship on this island. This means there should be no border if it is to be fully optimal. I do not want to get into the bigger matters, such as UK Ministers disagreeing with certain interpretations. The British Government has advertised for 18 customs officers for the Border recently, and that does not augur well for the kind of outcome that everybody has signed up to or at least verbally committed to. I would appreciate it if the Taoiseach could give any update on the Government's response to that and where we are in progressing the matter.

Did the Taoiseach hear the question?

I did but I would give a very long answer about this.

No, you have a minute, so keep whatever answer you have to that.

Was the Government consulted about the customs officers?

It is clearly a matter for the United Kingdom to hire customs officers as it sees fit. I do not know if they are replacements as there are border and customs checks already in the United Kingdom-----

The North.

They are in the North too for people and goods coming from outside the European Union. I am not sure if they are additional staff or replacements. I did not see the advertisement but I had heard that it was only open to British passport holders and, in line with the Good Friday Agreement, applications to the role should also be open to Irish passport holders as well. The Good Friday Agreement allows everybody in the North to be British, Irish or both and to be accepted as such.