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

In response to the Deputy's dramatic statements, no decisions have been taken yet and no negotiations have begun. I do not think he should anticipate the outcome at this point. We have heard from many commentators and there are many opinions and individual comments, but we are not yet in negotiation mode, as the Deputy knows. We have had comments from many different European commentators.

This is a decision that has been taken by people in the UK and their Government. We are engaging with every member state to explain our unique issues, and that is progressing well. Of course the process will intensify in the period ahead. Every initiative that we can take is being taken at this point. In my meetings with my Northern counterpart and other meetings next week, we will discuss the applications for civil and criminal law, of which there are many. A significant amount of work needs to be done. There is very intensive engagement within and across Departments at this point, highlighting the priority of this issue for us as a Government.

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