Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In terms of the meeting with Dr. Merkel, does the Taoiseach consider that she recognises in reality the very special interest Ireland has on the Brexit proposals and that it is not just a rhetorical acknowledgement of it? In that context, did the Taoiseach get any information from her on whether the Commission’s negotiating team will contain a strong Irish presence because we are unique among European countries and have a particular and special interest in Brexit and its potential implications? In the context of Dr. Merkel being one of the most influential Heads of Government, has the Taoiseach discussed with her the proposals, which are really for the Commission, of a team to negotiate on behalf of the Commission?

I agree with Deputy Micheál Martin that there is a tone emanating from Europe of broad indifference to whenever Brexit will happen. The implications of that for Ireland are profound because it means we will be counted out, so it is important there should be a significant Irish presence at senior official and other level, which the Taoiseach might care to indicate, in the pursuit of Ireland’s interests from both the perspective of the two islands but also from the perspective of our continuing and ongoing membership of the European Union. Second-----

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