Irish unity and protocol
Deputy Ó Murchú argued for a citizens’ assembly on planning for Irish unity and warned against hardening the Border through Brexit negotiations. The Taoiseach rejected a citizens’ assembly as the right mechanism, reiterated support for continued EU-UK talks, and said he would engage with parties on the protocol.
Nothing happened.
Comment on this
I will follow through on the points the Deputy has raised with me.
Deputy Niamh Smyth raised a fair point with regard to Kingscourt. I can confirm the rail line is on for Navan. It is time to get it built and developed. If we can get the line to Navan-----
Comment on this
If we can get it to Navan, Deputy Smyth wants us to plan ahead and get it to Kingscourt and I fully understand that judging by the very warm reception I got last Friday in Cavan. The people there were very enthusiastic and I believe they would welcome with open arms the extension of the rail line. Deputy Smyth's enthusiasm for that is not in question.
Deputy Ó Murchú raised the issue of a citizens' assembly. We have about four citizens' assemblies to get to. A citizen's assembly is not the appropriate mechanisms for Irish unity, the subject the Deputy raised. We have to persuade people in Northern Ireland and engage with them.
Comment on this
We need to engage with people and work with them. We have been steadfast in our position on the protocol. We have to stress that no decision has been made on it. The negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom need to continue. I will be engaging with all the political parties on this over the coming period.