Ireland’s Brexit deal with Britain is still “bulletproof”, according to Leo Varadkar.
The Tánaiste was speaking in the Dáil about the Ireland Protocol this morning as Brexit talks resumed, with the new final deadline of Sunday evening now in place.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Brussels for intense Brexit discussions at the EU Summit of European leaders, with talks between the EU and the UK still "on a knife edge."
Mr Martin spoke to reporters on the way into the EU’s dazzling Consilium building and said that he could see a trade deal in sight.
He said: “It makes sense to get a trade deal.
“I’m very aware of the difficulties around a level playing field, the dispute resolution mechanism and fisheries.
“I didn’t expect a breakthrough last evening. I think the fact that they met for quite a lengthy period of time and that frank exchange of views in itself is a good thing, and the fact that the negotiators are mandated to go back in again and try to break the logjam.
“Dialogue is key and both teams have given themselves a deadline of this Sunday, and I think the key to unlocking this is to stand back and look at the overall picture here.
“97% of this is agreed.
“Are we saying we are going to lose out on a deal because of 3%?
“Notwithstanding the significance of the issues.
“The bottom line is a lot of work has been done, a lot of agreement has been reached, so one final effort is required.
“There will, obviously, be the need for a compromise at the end of the day.”
Meanwhile in the Dáil, Mr Varadkar said: “It (the Brexit Ireland Protocol) has now proven to be bulletproof and all that was promised, no hard border between North and South, Ireland and Britain staying in the Common Travel area, all of that has been done and is being honoured by the UK, the EU and indeed by Ireland.”
