Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire. We held a bilateral meeting most recently in Dublin on 14 February.

On Brexit, I reminded the Secretary of State of the particular impact on Northern Ireland of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and of the entirely unique circumstances that pertain to Northern Ireland, given the political and constitutional settlement of the Good Friday Agreement, which is the foundation of the peace process. I emphasised the Government’s priority to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement is not in any way disturbed by the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and of course to maintain the open Border on the island, as well as the common travel area. I underlined that the hard-won peace on the island must be protected by both governments as co-guarantors of the Agreement.

I outlined to the Secretary of State that the Government’s focus regarding Northern Ireland is on the substantive outcome on each of the key issues, rather than the label ascribed to the overall package. I emphasised that the Government will maintain its focus on pursuit of specific, effective and realisable measures that address each of the issues of concern under Brexit.

Regarding the Border, I noted that while Prime Minister May’s commitment to work to retain an open Border on the island is welcome, if this is to be achieved, there must be significant flexibility shown by the British Government once these negotiations begin. I also outlined to the Secretary of State the discussions that had taken place the previous day at the all-island civic dialogue on human rights under the Good Friday Agreement.

On the current political situation in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State and I agreed that it is of the utmost importance that the conditions are in place for a power sharing Executive to be established as soon as possible after the election. I also discussed last week the imperative of dealing with a range of issues related to the Troubles in a way that meets the needs and expectations of victims. I reiterated my determination that the comprehensive legacy framework be established at the earliest opportunity.

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