Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2019
58. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there have been written proposals circulated from Prime Minister Johnson in relation to alternatives to a disorderly Brexit. [38267/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraContacts between the UK and Commission Taskforce are continuing. Michel Barnier met Steve Barclay in Brussels on 20 September where they had a discussion on the state of play of the ongoing Brexit talks, both in relation to the backstop to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland and the Political Declaration on the Future Relationship. Following the meeting the Commission reiterated their position that it is essential that there is a fully workable and legally operational solution included in the Withdrawal Agreement and that the EU remain willing and open to examine any such proposals that meet all the objectives of the backstop.
The UK side submitted a series of documents to the Commission Task Force on 18 September, characterised as confidential technical 'non-papers' they do not constitute formal proposals as such. Technical work on the basis of the documents will continue next week.
