Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
142. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which he plans to ensure that outstanding commitments from the Good Friday Agreement are brought forward in the context of securing an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. [23243/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProtecting the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts and the gains of the peace process is at the forefront of the Government’s approach to the Brexit negotiations. This includes maintaining EU support for the Peace Process, supporting continued North-South cooperation, and ensuring there is no border infrastructure of any kind on the island of Ireland, and that the rights of the people of Northern Ireland are protected.
In this regard, Ireland’s interest is in trying to achieve an outcome as close as possible to the status quo on the island. Work on drafting the Withdrawal Agreement has been a key focus since December. Published on 28 February, the draft Withdrawal Agreement contains a Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is an integral part of the Agreement.
The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland clearly acknowledges that the people of Northern Ireland who choose to identify as Irish, and therefore as citizens of the EU, will continue to enjoy the rights, opportunities, and benefits that come with EU citizenship.
The Protocol also proposes that the UK ensures there will be no diminution of rights, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement, including by respecting EU non-discrimination laws, and that these commitments are implemented through a dedicated mechanism.
More work will be required between the UK and the EU on rights and equality issues, as is provided for in the Joint Report, in phase two. The Government is also continuing to engage intensively on these issues.
At this point it is clear that, while there are areas in the Protocol where shared policy objectives have been identified, there are some fundamental issues that have yet to be resolved.
The current schedule of negotiations now underway between the EU and the UK is being taken forward with a view to continuing efforts to narrow the remaining gaps on the draft Protocol. The overall aim is to maintain full alignment with those rules of the Single Market and Customs Union that are necessary to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts including the gains of the Peace Process, North-South cooperation and the all-island economy as well as to avoid a hard border.
Significant progress is needed between now and the June European Council. At this stage in the negotiations, it is more important than ever that the UK provides more detailed and realistic proposals to the EU. We must have certainty in all scenarios on the commitments made on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Coordinators have agreed that negotiations will continue on a regular basis and Ireland will continue its close cooperation with Michel Barnier’s team. This includes our involvement in discussions, where appropriate, while respecting the negotiation structures that have been mandated by the European Council.
