Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I previously reported to the House, I welcomed the European Commission's chief Brexit negotiator, Mr. Michel Barnier, to Government Buildings on 12 October. His visit to Dublin was one of a series of engagements in EU capitals in order to prepare for the forthcoming negotiations. During the visit he also met the Tánaiste, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs, as well as senior officials.

Under the political guidance of the European Council, that is, EU Heads of State or Government, Mr. Barnier will lead the Commission team in the withdrawal negotiations with the United Kingdom once Article 50 has been triggered.

During my discussions with him, I took the opportunity to explain in some detail Ireland’s unique set of concerns relating to Northern Ireland that arise from Brexit, including the peace process and citizenship issues, the common travel area and Border issues, and the depth of our economic and trade relationship with the United Kingdom. We also discussed Ireland’s strong commitment to EU membership and our intention to play a full and constructive part in the negotiations process. In this context, I briefed Mr. Barnier on the various strands of work that are advancing at political and official levels here to prepare Ireland to the maximum extent possible for the period ahead. Deputies will note Mr. Barnier's comments yesterday in respect of his support for the Good Friday Agreement and the conditions that apply to it.

Given the critical role of Mr. Barnier and the Commission, it was also useful to exchange views about the process and how negotiations might be handled. There was a commitment to continue to work closely with the Commission and its team in the period ahead and this has been proceeding, including the holding of further meetings between senior officials from Dublin and the task force in Brussels in November.

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