Relations between Britain and Ireland have improved greatly over recent years and the Government is committed to maintaining these good relations as we navigate our way through the new landscape following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.
In this context, I met the UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in Brussels on Monday and discussed with him the broad range of issues arising from the UK decision. I outlined to the Foreign Secretary the issues of most concern to Ireland: ensuring stability of the peace process in Northern Ireland, preservation of the Common Travel Area, and the continuation of the very important trading links between our two countries.
Additionally, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister May had a positive discussion on the evening she took office, where the Taoiseach also highlighted Ireland’s major priorities.
I also spoke with the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, at the beginning of this week. I look forward to meeting him in person in the very near future and to working closely with the Secretary of State to further our shared goal of protecting Northern Ireland’s interests.
Both the Taoiseach and I will attend the extraordinary summit meeting of the British Irish Council in Cardiff on Friday 22nd July. This meeting will provide another valuable opportunity to meet with our UK colleagues from the British Government and the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as representatives of the Crown Dependencies, and to collectively consider the key challenges arising from the UK’s decision to leave the EU and how we best work together in that new context.
As Ireland will continue as a fully committed member of the European Union, we will also work with our EU partners to ensure the greatest degree of understanding of Ireland’s unique position as we, as part of the Union of 27 Member States, negotiate the terms of the UK’s exit. I have had many conversations in recent weeks with various EU colleagues where I sensitised them to the particular concerns of Ireland as the only Member State that shares a land border with the UK.
In relation to the steps taken to identify the implications of a British exit from the EU, contingency planning was carried out across Government in advance of the referendum, and a summary of the contingency framework was published on 24 June. This contingency planning is a dynamic and ongoing process which takes into account the most recent developments to allow for more targeted and effective engagement, both in relation to dealing with issues as they evolve and in responding proactively to opportunities that arise.
Some restructuring is also underway to develop capacity in key areas – for example, in the Department of the Taoiseach and in my own Department, including in key Embassies abroad, as well as in other relevant Departments. In addition, the Taoiseach has announced that he will chair a new Cabinet Committee to oversee matters relating to the UK departure.
