Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
18. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with Mr. Michel Barnier on 11 May 2017; the issues discussed relating to Brexit; and the other matters that were discussed and the responses he received. [23021/17]
View answerI met with Michel Barnier, the EU's Chief Negotiator for Brexit, in Government Buildings on Thursday 11 May. I was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Agriculture, and the Minister of State for European Affairs. The meeting provided an opportunity - following the European Council's adoption of the EU negotiating guidelines and in advance of agreement on the more detailed negotiating directives - to thank Mr Barnier for his openness to Ireland in relation to our particular concerns arising from Brexit and to highlight our thoughts about the process ahead. We discussed the serious implications in relation to peace and stability in Northern Ireland and the border, and for the Irish economy, particularly the fisheries and agri-food sector.
I commended Mr. Barnier on his address to the Oireachtas that morning and expressed confidence in his ability to negotiate on behalf of the EU 27, and to take account of Ireland's particular concerns. Mr Barnier stressed the complexities of the issues involved in the negotiations and outlined his intention to be firm but fair. He committed to ensuring that the Task Force remains accessible to all Member States - and especially to Ireland, given our unique concerns.
