Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Various statements have been made, including that to which Deputy O'Loughlin refers, in regard to the customs union but it is not the stated position of the UK Government at this point. The common travel area is central to the relationships across these islands. There is no question of that, with very clear benefits enjoyed by both communities. That arrangement is valued equally, North and South. It will be a priority for both Administrations to ensure its benefits are retained in the years to come in the context of the new relationship. That is the position the Irish Government will be taking, no doubt supported by Fianna Fáil. I cannot pretend to the House that Brexit will not pose very complex challenges; it will but we have to do all that we can to reduce any potential adverse affects for all the people of the island.

Even at this point, there are a number of areas on which work is continuing, including the recent signing into law of a new statutory instrument to enable the UK to collect advance passenger information in respect of flights from Ireland to the UK. There is a huge increase in co-operation across a whole range of areas, particularly in regard to advance passenger information and immigration issues such as sham marriages and those who would illegally enter this country, their visas having expired in the UK. There are many areas in respect of which co-operation is ongoing between both countries.

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