Ministerial Meetings

Wednesday, 15 February 2017

Questions (20, 21)

Micheál Martin

Question:

20. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he discussed immigration and border security with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, when they met on 30 January 2017. [5772/17]

View answer

21. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the contact he has had with the Scottish First Minister regarding the United Kingdom invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty since the January 2017 visit to Dublin by the UK Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May. [5822/17]

View answer

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.

I had a very good meeting with Prime Minister May when she was in Dublin on 30 January. At the meeting and in our press conference after it, we both repeated our desire to keep the Common Travel Area arrangements in place and agreed to continue working together to this end. We also discussed the necessity of ensuring the continued free flow of trade on the island and I made clear to the Prime Minister that in my view any reintroduction of a border would would have very negative consequences.

Ireland and the United Kingdom have always cooperated closely on jointly securing the external border of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and we intend to continue to do so in the future. In this regard, we will continue to maintain and enhance cooperation with the UK in relation to general immigration and border enforcement, recognising of course that Ireland will remain a committed member of the European Union and will continue to uphold the right of free movement for all EU citizens after the UK leaves the Union.

First Minister Sturgeon and I held a meeting last November following the British Irish Council Summit in Cardiff. Minister Flanagan also met with her during her subsequent visit to Dublin. I have not had direct contact with her recently but there is ongoing engagement, at diplomatic and official level, with the Scottish Government, including through the Consul General's office in Edinburgh and our Embassy in London.