EC Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier to address joint committee sitting of Dáil and Seanad Éireann

Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann Seán Ó Fearghaíl said: “Given the unique historic, geographic, cultural, social and economic ties between Ireland and Britain, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU could have a greater impact on Ireland than any on other EU State. As legislators there is an onus on us to be fully informed on the implications of Brexit on this country in particular and on the EU in general and to communicate our particular concerns on Brexit. Therefore, it is timely and opportune for us as legislators to hear directly from the European Commission’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit and to engage on issues of concern to us. Our engagement tomorrow will build on the work of Oireachtas committees and last September’s Oireachtas Brexit symposium in raising and discussing many of the issues and challenges raised by Brexit.”

Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Senator Denis O’Donovan said: “We are honoured that Michel Barnier has agreed to address a joint committee sitting of Dáil and Seanad Éireann. The UK’s decision to exit the European Union is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing our country in decades. Therefore, we are looking forward to Mr Barnier’s address which should help inform debate on this crucial issue as negotiations get underway on the UK’s departure from the European Union. It will also allow us as legislators to communicate our concerns to those directly engaged in the negotiations and complement the work of the Seanad Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union which is focusing on potential solutions to the challenges posed by Brexit.”

The Schedule for the visit is:

•    11.15am: arrival of Michel Barnier at Leinster House

**Photocall opportunity Merrion Street steps**

•    11.20: Michel Barnier signs visitors book in Room 2 Leinster House.  

•    11.25: Michel Barnier is escorted to the Dáil Chamber

•    11.30: Ceann Comhairle’s opening statement

•    11.34: Michel Barnier addresses joint sitting.

•    11.54: statements by party and group leaders

•    12.45: closing address by Cathaoirleach

Live proceedings of the address by Michel Barnier to the Joint Committee Sitting of Dáil and Seanad Éireann will be broadcast on Oireachtas TV, Oireachtas.ie and on Facebook Live.
Broadcast outlets who wish to cover the address should contact the Oireachtas Broacasting Unit on 01-6183854/5134.

Photographs from this event will be available from Maxwell Photography: (01) 830 7473 or office@maxwellphotography.ie

ENDS/

Media Enquiries/accreditation to attend the photo opportunity at 11.15am, please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Or

Requests for accreditation for the Oireachtas Press Gallery should be addressed to:

Gavan Reilly
Oireachtas Press Gallery
087 924 9543, e-mail greilly@todayfm.com