The Minister for Foreign Affairs has said that if Britain cannot operate to the same rules as Ireland and the rest of the EU, there will need to be a facilitation that's "unique and flexible" that applies to the island of Ireland.
Simon Coveney was responding to Sinn Féin's David Cullinhane who accused the Government of mixed messages regarding Brexit.
Minister Coveney told the Dáil that the Government would like to see Britain staying in the Customs Union and staying as an extended part of the single market, which he said would solve a lot of problems for a lot of people.
However, he noted that there are two sides to the negotiations.
"Ireland will be firm, stubborn and fair in looking at proposals which will allow the Island of Ireland to function", he said.
Fianna Fáil TD Stephen Donnelly warned the Government of being careful regarding messages its sending, particularly to people on both sides of the border.
The minister accepted care needed to be taken regarding the Government's message.
"Anyone who sees the positioning of the EU taskforce now will see the Government's position, which is very clear on border issues, whether we can bring the British government to accepting that position, we'll see".
He added that there is strong solidarity across the European Union towards the Government and "no one should make the assumption the issue of the Irish border will be brushed aside or fudged".
Mr Coveney also said he does not envisage a "no deal Brexit".
Responding to Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall the minister said it was unlikely, adding that it would be bad for Britain and bad for Ireland.
He said he did not think negotiating teams would allow Britain to crash out of the EU with no contingency plan in place.
It would be madness and I don't think it will happen
Deputy Shortall agreed it would be madness, however she said while everyone hoped for the best, they needed to prepare for the worst.
Minister Coveney said all departments are assessing immediate legal and practical consequences of a no deal Brexit in their areas and what mitigation measures are possible
