Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017
322. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has opened discussions with the EU Commission on mutual recognition agreements between the EU and UK to smooth the impact of Brexit on trade between Ireland and the UK and particularly in relation to all island trade on the island of Ireland. [2811/17]
View answerThe Government welcomed the further clarity provided by Prime Minister May in her address of 17 January. Prime Minister May has made clear that she wishes to secure the closest possible future economic relationship for Britain with the EU, a goal that Ireland shares.
In her speech, Prime Minister May highlighted the specific and historic relationship between Britain and Ireland. In this context, she made clear that her priorities include maintaining the Common Travel Area and avoiding a return to a hard border with Northern Ireland, both of which are welcome.
The alignment between our concerns regarding the economy and trade and the objective of the UK to have a close, and friction-free, economic and trading relationship with the EU, including with Ireland, is also very important.
However, it is important to note that the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU have not yet begun. The trading arrangements between the EU and UK, once the UK leaves the EU, will be the subject of negotiation. For the Government’s part, we have been very clear about our priorities for the upcoming negotiations: minimising impact on trade and the economy; protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process; maintaining the Common Travel Area; and influencing the future of the European Union.
A critical part of our work is ensuring that these priorities are heard and understood across Europe and are reflected in the EU’s position for the forthcoming negotiations. An extensive programme of engagement with all other EU Governments and the EU institutions is under way. To date, there has been over 60 engagements are either political or senior official level.
This programme of engagement includes ongoing meetings with the European Commission’s Task Force on Brexit. These meetings are an opportunity to set out in detail Ireland’s concerns and priorities. Feedback to date from this comprehensive engagement has been very encouraging. There is a sound understanding of the unique circumstances which pertain on this island and I would note that in his first official comments, Michel Barnier, the lead negotiator for the Commission, highlighted the need to address Irish issues.
