Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
101. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the next steps following the general election in the UK on the withdrawal treaty Bill with his UK counterpart. [53345/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach and I, and our colleagues in Government, look forward to meeting with the new UK Government in the coming weeks.
The Taoiseach spoke with Prime Minister Johnson on Friday last and they will meet in person as soon as is possible. For my part, I look forward to meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary, early in 2020, to discuss mutual interests and shared global challenges.
In addition, the two Governments are also continuing to work together closely to secure the return to operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement again. I am working intensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith MP, to support the political parties in Northern Ireland in reaching an agreement that will achieve this.
We welcome the new British Government’s intention to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement as soon as possible, starting with the return of a Withdrawal Agreement Bill to the House of Commons later this week.
Ireland wants to see the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK, while also ensuring level playing field provisions to facilitate fair competition. Ireland will be engaged in all stages of the negotiations in order to ensure that our priorities and interests are appropriately reflected in the EU’s position.
