Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the contrary, rather than my reply being vague, there is an unprecedented amount of detailed planning across a range of Departments on the matter of the Brexit challenge. It is natural that the Taoiseach, who leads the overall Government response, should be the lead figure. He has chaired all three meetings of the new Cabinet Committee on Brexit, which will meet again at 9 a.m. tomorrow. I have a particular role with particular reference to Northern Ireland and relations with our EU partners which is also complemented by the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy. There have been actions on our part also, such as reinforcing our embassies in London, Paris and Berlin as well as our permanent representation to the EU in Brussels.

We discussed the matter of a Minister for Brexit previously. Not only would a separate Minister for Brexit be completely unnecessary, the creation of such a post would, as we see from the UK experience, cause significant administrative disruption at a time when we need to be focused on substance. I welcome the support from Deputy Darragh O'Brien and his party on this issue.

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