Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government’s clear priority in this context is to maintain the good functioning of the European Union in the current highly uncertain environment and to protect Irish interests, including in relation to Northern Ireland, the common travel area and trade. Our ongoing efforts will continue to involve engagement with a range of stakeholders, including the Oireachtas and its various committees. Most of the committees of the Houses as constituted will have a firm and direct engagement in this regard. The Government circulated an information note to Oireachtas Members in advance of the UK referendum and, on the day of the result, the Taoiseach met with Opposition leaders for a preliminary discussion of its implications. The Taoiseach intends to continue these sessions as the situation evolves. There have been valuable discussions in both Houses of the Oireachtas since the referendum result became known. I look forward to continuing to work with Opposition spokespersons in the time ahead and I greatly value the cross-party exchanges on this critical issue that have taken place to date.

Political engagement at European level is also critically important. When attending meetings in Brussels and elsewhere, Ministers have highlighted our unique political, economic and social ties with the UK, and our specific issues of concern. Of course, the European Council, Heads of State and Government will direct the EU-UK negotiations. However, the European Parliament and the Commission will also play important roles. In relation to engagement with the broader political groupings at European level, the Taoiseach, I and Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy, in his role as Vice President of the European People's Party, EPP, have taken every opportunity to highlight Irish priority issues to our colleagues within the EPP. I know that Deputies with affiliations to other European groupings have undertaken similar engagements and I thank them for their efforts and urge them to continue with this work.

Through our permanent representation in Brussels, we keep a regular channel open with all Irish Members of the European Parliament, MEPs, to ensure that they are fully briefed on the latest developments. I directed my officials to offer a briefing to Irish MEPs shortly after the referendum result became known and there is an open invitation to Irish MEPs to engage with our permanent representation in Brussels.

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