Irish ForeignMin Coveney: EU’s Barnier has offered an extension to the transition period

Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney, speaking to BBC Radio this Wednesday, was quoted saying that likely dates for the new EU-Brexit summit will be suggested but reiterated that there is no firm commitment on dates.

Additional quotes:

   •  Ireland has absolute solidarity across EU members.
   •  EU's Barnier has indicated clearly that the EU side is willing to allow more time to find a solution to the backstop.
   •  Barnier has offered an extension to the transition period.
   •  Transition extension has been discussed by both parties - UK and EU.
   •  Real-time pressure to get any final deal ratified.
   •  Backstop cannot be time-limited.
   •  If better Brexit deal is agreed, then backstop could lapse.