The Chair of the Finance Committee has said any change to the current border arrangements – between the North and South of Ireland – will have an adverse effect on small business here.

Earlier, the Finance Minister Michael Noonan told the Oireachtas Finance Committee that a ‘hard border’ with Northern Ireland isn’t a runner.

Minister Michael Noonan said that the decision will be one to be negotiated with the EU.

Sinn Féin wants a discussion on Ireland’s future in the EU.

Gerry Adams is proposing a national forum and that a way be found to respect and defend the vote of the majority in the North.

Earlier Taoiseach Enda Kenny suggested that Ireland would remain in the EU even if Brussels tried to take away our tax sovereignty by going after our corporation tax rate.

Mr Adams says it’s necessary to look at the island’s future in the EU: “It’s part of the reason why we need to get our act together.

“Because other senior members of the Government party have said the exact opposite. His chief whip said you won’t see us for dust.

“Obviously the Taoiseach speaks for the Government in this regard but it might be useful to hear all these other views.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s First Minister has criticised the Conservative party, blaming it for dividing the UK.

Nicola Sturgeon held several meetings in Brussels yesterday, as she continues her fight to keep Scotland in the European Union.