Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have made it abundantly clear on numerous occasions, as has the Taoiseach, that we stand fully behind all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement. In fact, I have just arrived to the House after a constructive and positive meeting with my colleague, Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs. In a press conference he specifically referred to the Good Friday Agreement and its importance in the context of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. The answer to the Deputy's question is "Yes". It is imperative for all parties to the negotiations with the UK, which will begin later in the spring, to fully appreciate and acknowledge the unique and special circumstances surrounding Northern Ireland and to factor that into the negotiations in a way that ensures there is no disruption or change to the Good Friday Agreement and, with specific reference to the Border, that ensures we maintain the current open Border status. I am satisfied that is understood not only by my French colleague, who made very positive comments in that regard today, but also by each of the 25 other EU Foreign Ministers I have had the opportunity to speak to directly over the last number of months.

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