Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman asked about the appointment of a Minister for Brexit. Brexit touches on all Departments to a greater or lesser extent. As such, it requires a whole-of-Government response. My Department is a key player in the Government-wide committee structure working to prepare for negotiations on the UK exit from the EU with a focus on minimising risks and maximising opportunities. This centralised approach will ensure that there is a fully informed response to the Brexit challenge and a fully-prepared Irish position for the Brexit negotiations ahead whereby Ireland will seek to ensure the best possible outcomes. The Taoiseach's personal involvement, the establishment of a Cabinet committee on the UK exit and the mandate given by the Taoiseach to all Ministers regarding Brexit will ensure that there is a fully joined-up approach to identifying and negotiating Irish interests. The appointment of a dedicated Brexit Minister is a matter for the Taoiseach.