Leo Varadkar has conceded that the backstop is gone.
But the Taoiseach said he has no problems with this and that he is happy because it has been replaced with a new solution that delivers the same goals.
The Fine Gael leader convened a special meeting of Cabinet where ministers were given full details of the deal.
The Taoiseach was speaking to reporters from the Europa building in Brussels on the way into the historic EU Council meeting following a deal being struck on Brexit.
The careful political choreography saw at the same time another press conference taking place across the road in the EU Commission’s Berlaymont building with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
All three men were on hand to let the world know that the UK and EU negotiators have signed off on an agreement.
It is up to the British Parliament now to ratify this at a special meeting of the House of Commons this Saturday.
This will pave the way for the UK leaving the EU in an orderly fashion in two weeks’ time on November 1st.
Mr Varadkar said: “As things stand we have a draft agreement between the European Union on one hand and the British Government on the other.
“I think it’s a good agreement.
“It allows the United Kingdom to leave the United Kingdom in an orderly fashion which is very important for businesses and citizens across the European Union and also for the UK, and also creates a unique solution for Northern Ireland recognising the unique history and geography of Northern Ireland.”
He said that the backstop "has been replaced".
“It’s been replaced with a unique solution for Northern Ireland, but that unique solution does what we need it to do.
“It avoids a hard border between North and South.
“It protects the Northern Ireland economy.
“It protects the Single Market and our place in it.
“And also crucially we were happy to accept this.
“It takes account of the democratic wishes of the people of Northern Ireland.
“I’ve always expressed the view and that we would never seek to hold Ireland in a place long term against the will of the majority of the people.”
Mr Juncker said: “Good to see you and good to see the Prime Minister, my friend Boris Johnson.
“We have a deal. And this deal means that there is no need for any kind of prolongation.
“This is a fair and balanced agreement.
“It is testament to our commitment to finding solutions.
“It provides certainty where Brexit creates uncertainty.
“It protects the rights of our citizens and it protects peace and stability on the island of Ireland.
“There will be no border on the island of Ireland. And the Single Market will be protected.
“This deal is not about us, the deal is about people and peace.
“And I look forward to continue my conversations with Boris, because we will start the negotiations on the future relations immediately after the deal will have been approved.”
Mr Johnson said: “I would like to pay particular tribute to Jean Claude and to Michel Barnier and all your teams, the negotiating teams in the Commission.
“I do believe that this deal represents a very good deal for the EU and for the UK.
“It’s a reasonable fair outcome and reflects the large amount of work that’s been undertaken by both sides.”
