Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 April 2017
49. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if during his discussions with his European counterparts he has requested that Ireland receive a veto on the EU-Britain deal on Brexit similar to that received by Spain; if so, and if he did not receive support, the basis on which Ireland is being treated differently to Spain; and if he has not requested such a veto, the reason therefor. [18295/17]
View answerA central pillar of the Government’s response to last year’s UK referendum on EU membership has been strategic outreach to EU partners and Institutions to ensure that the unique Irish perspective on Brexit is understood before negotiations begin. To that end, a significant programme of engagements with EU partners began after the referendum some time ago and will continue. To date, there have been over 400 engagements across government at either political or senior official level. For my part, since the UK referendum, I have had in excess of 70 meetings or conversations, including with each of my EU counterparts. In March alone, I met with the Foreign Ministers from Italy, Luxembourg, Germany and Denmark and, most recently, met with my Swedish and Austrian colleagues in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council on 3 April.
It is clear that this extensive political, diplomatic and official campaign has been effective in ensuring understanding and recognition of our unique circumstances and specific issues. This is clearly reflected in the draft negotiation Guidelines circulated to the EU27 on 31 March, as well as in Prime Minister May’s letter of notification and the European Parliament’s resolution on Brexit, all of which contain strong a strong acknowledgement of our unique concerns, including in relation to the Good Friday Agreement.
As regards to Gibraltar, it should be recalled that it is part neither of the UK nor of the EU, but is a UK overseas territory. Moreover, its constitutional status is disputed. The situation is therefore completely different to that of Northern Ireland, the constitutional status of which, and how that status might change on the basis of the principle of consent, are set out definitively in the Good Friday Agreement.
The text in the draft Guidelines is consistent with Irish Government policy that the status of Gibraltar is a bilateral issue between Spain and the UK.
Moreover the draft Guidelines make reference to Gibraltar within the context of the framework for future EU-UK relationship, which itself will be the subject of a separate negotiation and agreement at a later stage. In all likelihood, that agreement will require ratification by all EU27 Member States, including Ireland.
This is entirely distinct and separate from the Irish Government’s priority of ensuring that the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, including the Good Friday Agreement, are recognised and protected within the context of the Article 50 negotiations leading to a withdrawal agreement.
