Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018
149. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to his EU counterparts regarding the terms of transition recently finalised in Brussels on 19 March 2018. [13844/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to Mr. Michel Barnier since 19 March 2018. [14158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 151 together.
Maintaining frequent contact with EU partners, including the EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, has been a priority for Ireland throughout the Article 50 negotiations process.
I have met with Mr Barnier on a number of occasions since taking office, most recently in Brussels on 19 March. Mr Barnier updated me on the progress made with the UK in advancing discussions on the draft Withdrawal Agreement, including an in-depth exchange on the draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Mr Barnier also provided an update to the EU27 Member States at the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) on 20 March regarding the progress made with the UK in advancing discussions on the draft Withdrawal Agreement, including in relation to transition. Ireland was represented at this meeting by Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D.
I welcome that the terms reflected in the draft Withdrawal Agreement are fully consistent with the EU’s objective of agreeing a transition period based on the status quo. This is an approach that I have strongly advocated for in my bilateral contacts with EU partners. A transition period based on the status quo will provide certainty and limit disruption for our citizens and businesses. Under such an arrangement the UK will be expected to continue to apply the full EU acquis.
As concerns the duration of such a transition, the Government agrees that in the interests of long term certainty, and to accelerate agreement on the future relationship agreement, it must be time bound. This is the overall view of both the EU and of the UK. Therefore a date of 31 December 2020 has been set for the end of the transition period and this has been reflected in the text of the draft Withdrawal Agreement. This also takes account of the EU’s budgetary processes and the fact that the current Multiannual Financial Framework will conclude at the end of 2020. But equally, as the negotiations progress, the overriding objective on both sides must be to avoid any gaps and any cliff edge effects. It is therefore welcome that the General Affairs Council has agreed to keep this under constant review, taking account of developments in the Brexit negotiations. This provides the flexibility required.
