Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
704. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if contingency planning is completed to mitigate for the loss of information sharing as a result of a no-deal scenario in Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra729. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the threats identified by his Department with regard to the responsibilities of his Department as a result of no deal being reached in Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26907/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 704 and 729 together.
On 2 May, the Government published a comprehensive document on Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This document sets out the approach of the Government to the forthcoming negotiations, following the successful campaign to have key Irish issues recognised in the EU negotiation position.
The Government's preparation in relation to UK's withdrawal from the EU is extensive. Work to date includes contingency planning before the UK referendum, intensified analysis and scenario planning carried out across all key sectors since, and wide stakeholder consultation and engagement including through the all-island Civic Dialogue process.
There has been, and will continue to be, extensive engagement at political, diplomatic and official level to emphasise Ireland's concerns and to ensure that they are fully reflected in the EU positions. The implications of the UK leaving the EU without a deal would be very serious for both the UK and the EU, including Ireland. The focus must therefore be on finding an agreement. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is acutely aware of the potential risks and challenges for Ireland arising from UK exit, across all sectors, and will remain fully engaged as the negotiations proceed.
Insofar as the issues relevant to my Department are concerned, continued cooperation with the UK on criminal and civil justice matters, and in the maintenance of the Common Travel Area are key priorities. The significance of the Common Travel Area and the benefits it confers across Irish society are well understood. At a sectoral level, it is also clearly important that we maintain the closest possible cooperation in the field of criminal justice, and that there are efficient mechanisms to deal with cross-border civil, commercial and family law matters, so that members of the public and businesses can have legal certainty and protection in cross border disputes. Our analysis of these important issues is ongoing.
On information sharing, it is important to note that we do not envisage any diminution in the joint commitment to security and police operational cooperation between the UK and Ireland. Our respective agencies work closely together and that will continue.
