19 Feabh 2019, 11:00
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m., the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will discuss Ireland’s preparedness and contingency plans for Brexit and the outcome of today’s scheduled General Affairs Council meeting with the Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD.
The Committee will discuss ongoing efforts to reach full agreement on the EU’s overarching budgetary blueprint, the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-27.
It also will explore the potential for alliance-building within the EU to strengthen the bloc as a whole.
“Brexit overshadows every discussion of the EU’s future but, as the date for the UK’s exit approaches, Ireland and its 26 remaining EU partners must recommit to strengthening our union on many fronts,” said Committee Chairman Michael Healy-Rae TD.
“The Committee is keen to receive an update from Minister McEntee on the latest progress in agreeing MFF terms for the next seven-year budget cycle,” Deputy Healy-Rae said. “As Ireland seeks to defend its core interests in Europe, the potential to build stronger alliances with like-minded EU colleagues looms as an important strategic focus for our nation.”
The meeting in Committee Room 1 can be viewed live here.