Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
141. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the extension of EU state aid rules to regulatory alignment between the EU and Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53198/17]
View answerThe Government has always been clear that its absolute preference is to maintain the closest possible trading relationship between the UK and EU, including Ireland, based on a level playing field. This is an aim shared by the EU, and by the UK itself.
Phase 2 of the Article 50 negotiations will address how the overall framework for a future relationship between the EU and the UK might look. This will include the issue of alignment with EU State aid rules for the UK. I am encouraged to note that the UK has been a strong supporter of State aid rules to date.
