Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2017
147. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator on 20 June 2017; and if he is requesting special status for Northern Ireland within the EU in his meetings with his EU counterparts and EU Brexit negotiators. [30509/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) on Tuesday 20 June. At this meeting, Michel Barnier, the EU’s Chief Negotiator, informed Ministers of the outcome of the first round of the negotiations with the UK on its withdrawal from the EU.
I also met with Mr Barnier for a bilateral exchange on Brexit and on the EU’s position on the issues specific Ireland as set out in the European Council Guidelines of 29 April and the negotiating Directives of 22 May. I thanked Mr Barnier for his recent visit to Ireland, which included travelling to the border region, and for his continuing support and understanding.
We had a very positive and constructive discussion which clearly confirmed that addressing issues unique to Ireland will be a key EU priority in the negotiations.
I reiterated the Government’s position in relation to protecting the gains of the peace process and ensuring that all provisions of the Good Friday Agreement are fully respected and upheld. In particular, I emphasised the importance of the European Council’s recognition that “in view of the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, flexible and imaginative solutions will be required, including with the aim of avoiding a hard border, while respecting the integrity of the Union legal order.”
During our discussion, I expressed my support for the handling of Irish issues as set out in the Terms of Reference agreed between the EU and the UK on 19 June whereby the issues unique to Ireland will be the subject of a dialogue at the level of the two most senior members of the respective negotiating teams. This again underlines the urgency and importance with which Irish issues are being addressed.
I underlined my willingness and that of my officials to continue constructive and regular engagement with Mr. Barnier and his team as these complex negotiations progress.
I also had bilateral meetings with my counterparts from Luxembourg and Estonia. I used this opportunity, as well as my participation in the GAC (Art. 50), to acknowledge the support of our partners in agreeing to the inclusion in the EU’s negotiating position of elements addressing the particular challenges faced by Ireland.
