Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
35. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to his Dutch counterpart regarding Brexit impacts; if he has met and fully discussed Brexit with all his EU Foreign Minister counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12154/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI discuss Brexit collectively with my EU27 counterparts on a monthly basis at the General Affairs Council (Art. 50). At this month’s meeting, which is taking place today, Michel Barnier will provide an update to the EU27 Member States on the progress made with the UK in advancing discussions on the draft Withdrawal Agreement. Draft additional guidelines for the next stage of the negotiations, and in particular the opening of negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship, will also be discussed in advance of the European Council (Art. 50) on Friday.
The update provided by Michel Barnier today – and the subsequent discussion among the EU27 – will, therefore, be important in shaping the outcome of the European Council (Art. 50).
Maintaining frequent bilateral contact with EU partners is also a priority. I met yesterday with Michel Barnier, which enabled an in-depth exchange on the Irish-specific issues, including the draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. I had a similar meeting with Mr Barnier in advance of February’s meeting of the GAC (Art. 50). On the same day, I also had a very useful exchange of views with the European Parliament’s Chief Negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt.
The Taoiseach, Minister of State McEntee and I have met bilaterally with many of our EU counterparts over the past months, and will continue to do so. Officials of my Department, and of course staff in our EU Missions, are in constant touch will colleagues throughout the Union.
My personal bilateral contacts with EU27 counterparts have, most recently, included meetings in February with Foreign Minister Linas Linkevièius of Lithuania and Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano of Italy. I look forward to visiting Stockholm next week, where my programme will include bilateral meetings with the Minister for European Affairs, Ann Linde, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Margot Wallström.
The Netherlands is also an important and likeminded partner on Brexit and frequent bilateral contact is maintained at both political and official level. The Taoiseach met with Prime Minister Rutte in Dublin on 6 December and I hope to meet with newly-appointed Foreign Minister Blok in the near future. Consultations at official level most recently took place on 12 February.
These meetings are allowing for valuable exchanges on the ongoing negotiations as well as wider discussion on the impact that Brexit will have on our respective economies.
