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Brexit Negotiations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Ceisteanna (136, 139)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

136. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the main obstacles to a deal between the European Union and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28486/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

139. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the ninth round of Brexit negotiations with the EU and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28492/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 139 together.

The ninth round of negotiations in the EU-UK Future Relationship took place from 28 September to 3 October. While a degree of progress was made, there remains some distance to go on the key issues of fisheries, the level playing field and governance. Unlocking these issues is key to moving towards a more intensified phase of the talks. The EU has been clear that an overall agreement on the Future Relationship cannot be secured without progress on these fundamental issues. Commission President von der Leyen spoke to PM Johnson on 3 October to take stock of the negotiations. Contacts between the EU and UK will continue in the period ahead with a view to making further progress.

On the level playing field in particular, both the EU and UK agreed in the Joint Political Declaration in October 2019 that, because of our proximity and economic interconnectedness, measures to ensure a level playing field would be an integral part of the Future Relationship. Those measures are designed to protect fair and open competition. The arrangements that the EU is proposing in this area reflect the level and intensity of our trade with the UK.

The UK will be the EU’s partner, but also our competitor, and it is important that we have clear rules in place to make sure that this competition operates fairly and in a way that protects our businesses and our consumers.

Fisheries remains a challenging area in the negotiations. A positive resolution of this issue is an important priority for Ireland. We are seeking to protect the interests of the Irish fleet in terms of both access and the quota share it currently enjoys in British waters. The Task Force is continuing to push for better UK engagement in this area. We, together with other affected Member States, remain in close contact with the Task Force on this issue.

We are all aware that time is growing short, and that a no deal outcome is in no one’s interests. Ireland is engaged in these negotiations as part of the EU27, and we have been working hard to ensure that the EU’s approach to these negotiations reflects Ireland’s values and interests.

Only a few weeks remain to secure a deal. Ireland, and the EU, will continue to engage positively and in good faith in the time remaining.

I must also be clear that together with our focus on the Future Relationship negotiations, the EU will also be working hard in the weeks ahead to find a resolution to the challenge created by the UK's Internal Market Bill. Certain provisions of this Bill amount to a unilateral reopening of the Withdrawal Agreement, which is unacceptable. We remain committed to building a future relationship with the UK, but it can only be on the basis of trust and confidence that the Withdrawal Agreement is being fully implemented.

On 1 October, the Commission issued a letter of formal notice to the UK for breaching its obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement. This marks the beginning of a formal infringement process against the UK.

The EU27 remain firmly united in support for the Commission's approach to both the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Future Relationship negotiations. Michel Barnier and his team have Ireland's full confidence. We will stay in close contact with them in the coming days and weeks.

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