The Government is under no illusion about the nature and scale of the Brexit challenge. A critical part of our work is ensuring that our particular position and priorities are understood across Europe: therefore engagement with our EU partners and with the EU institutions is critical. This programme of intense engagement at political and official level is continuing to ensure that the EU’s approach to the forthcoming negotiations reflects our priorities. Ireland looks forward to working with our fellow Member States to deliver the best possible result for Ireland and for the EU.
A central part of this programme of engagement is meetings with the European Commission. In addition to meetings with the chief negotiatior, Michel Barnier, intensive bilateral discussions to the taskforce working with him continue. In our engagement with the Taskforce we have made them aware that Brexit is already having an impact on the Irish economy, and of the disproportionate consequences posed by Brexit to the Irish economy overall in comparison to other Member States. This message has also been emphasized in more than sixty meetings at political and official level with other Member States.
In working to minimize the damage to Ireland our first priority is to contribute to the achievement of a close and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and UK.
Second, we recognize that the economic challenge posed by Brexit, while very great in itself, also one of a number of factors to be taken into account in our overall economic policy. State agencies are actively pursuing opportunities for increased investment, business and job creation in Ireland, while as chair of the Export Trade Council, I am working to support Irish companies to expand and diversify their markets, including through support from our Missions.
The Government is also committed to pursuing a opportunities for Ireland which might arise from Brexit. Therefore, work continues on bids for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority from London to Dublin. Preparatory work on both is advancing within the relevant Government Departments.
