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Brexit Negotiations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

Questions (14)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

14. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the indications there are that the UK is likely to soften its demand in relation to the backstop; if, in the absence of same means can be found by which the customs union and single market on the island of Ireland can prevail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/19]

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Written answers

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, Ireland and the UK have solemn and binding obligations to ensure peace and stability in Northern Ireland, and that there is no return of a hard border on the island of Ireland.

The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, which contains the provisions for the “backstop,” was negotiated on the basis of the EU and UK’s shared understanding of this need to address the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland. This translates the UK’s political commitment to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland into a legal guarantee.

As set out in their joint statement of 20 February, Prime Minister May and President Juncker discussed how the temporary nature of the backstop can once again be underlined, with both sides reconfirming their committed to avoiding a hard border and respecting the integrity of the EU's Single Market on one hand, and of the UK's on the other. They also discussed the possibility of changes or additions being made to the Political Declaration that are consistent with the EU and the UK government's positions, and agreed that this work will be taken forward by the respective teams.

In the event of no deal, the United Kingdom will have obligations under the World Trade Organisation and we will have obligations to protect our Single Market and customs union, of which we will continue to be a full part. As such, if the UK leaves without an agreement in place, the EU and Ireland on one side, and the UK on the other, will all have to work intensively together to ensure that we deliver on our shared goal of avoiding the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Regardless of the outcome of Brexit, Ireland's place within the Single Market and the Customs Union is secure, and we will continue to fully enjoy the benefits that this membership offers.

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