Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
77. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach if his Department's integrated division currently leading Ireland's response to Brexit is to be moved to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and if so, the rationale for this decision. [32660/17]
View answer85. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has recently met his officials on Brexit; and the particular areas that they discussed. [32813/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 85.
The International, EU and Northern Ireland Division of my Department, under a Second Secretary General who also acts as the Irish Sherpa in EU matters including Brexit, will remain in my Department.
The Division handles a range of responsibilities across International, EU and British and Northern Ireland relations in support of me, including in my role as a member of the European Council.
I remain in frequent contact with senior officials in my Department on the matter of Brexit.
Brexit is, of course, a priority for all Government Ministers and Departments, with the Minister and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade having a particular responsibility in this area. As you would expect, there is close co-operation on Brexit between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including the Permanent Representation in Brussels and our Embassy Network.
