Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with Deputy Barrett. As I indicated to Deputy Lisa Chambers, there is a senior official in my Department working on all Brexit-related matters who reports directly to the Department of the Taoiseach. I and my officials have met with the Department of the Taoiseach on Brexit matters. The short-term and long-term impacts of Brexit on the domestic operation of the Defence Forces are dependent on the negotiations between the EU and the UK. The Deputy is aware that Prime Minister May will trigger Article 50 later this week but I am not sure if that will happen given the events of yesterday. I assure the Deputy that we are very much on top of the situation in terms of what is required regarding Brexit. Once the official negotiations begin both here and in Europe, my Department will be at the disposal of all those involved in the negotiations.