Last December, a joint report by UK and EU negotiators was agreed, in which it was stated there would be no hard border in Ireland. The taoiseach assured us that this was a ‘cast iron’ guarantee. The withdrawal agreement must give legal effect to that ‘cast iron’ guarantee.

While we await the publication of this document, it is a matter of concern that some are presenting the backstop agreement as temporary.

Brexit is for the long term and what is required is a durable, permanent and legally robust agreement that safeguards Irish interests and ensures there is no hard border on the island of Ireland.