Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

During recent months, I have had the opportunity to speak directly with all of my EU colleagues. There have been a number of personnel changes since then and I have arranged a number of meetings for the next few weeks in those cases. I am encouraged by the manner in which the Irish concerns have been received across the EU. I am encouraged at the appreciation, acknowledgement and understanding on the part of all my EU colleagues as to the importance of the Irish peace process to the European Union and the strong, active and positive role that was played by the EU in our negotiations leading up to the signing of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and the support the EU has provided actively towards communities in Northern Ireland and Border areas. I get a clear understanding that my colleagues appreciate the gains of the Good Friday Agreement and of peace in Ireland and that they are conscious of the fact that nothing should be done that would be adverse to the continuing peace and stability on our island.

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