Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I bring our engagement to a close, it is always worth noting at a point such as this what the relationship will be in the future. One of the key things is that when the UK was a member of the EU, the ability of Ireland and UK to work together was one of the pronounced parts of membership for both countries. We shared some similar goals and a vision for Europe. Extrapolating the new relationship the UK will have with the EU from that, I see that many of those principles, goals and what we want to see in the future are still very much aligned. It is important from our countries' perspective that we work together in the greater European context H.E. Mr. Johnston outlined clearly today, with respect to the involvement. We share many interests. With Ireland as a member state of the EU and the UK in the position it is in now, a lot can be done for Europe in general in ensuring those views continue to be heard clearly.

I thank the ambassador for his contribution.