Micheál Martin: “The fact that we're now in a position to open negotiations is a welcome step, and we should take that as a good start.”

Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.

We must defend and vindicate these values - both within Europe and globally - and this parliament has a vital role to play.

In our view reform is important, we have to reform our systems on a continuing basis and make them more effective, efficient and better value for money and take out perverse incentives.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has insisted that any assessment of exports from Aughinish Alumina must be independent of the company.