Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Cabinet sub-committee on Brexit met this morning at 8 o'clock and we went through all the preparatory work that has been ongoing for quite some time. When the British Prime Minister triggers Article 50, it means she will write a formal letter to President Tusk of the European Council indicating formal notice of Britain's intention to leave the European Union. The Government will respond to that directly because at least we will have some further clarity - particularly with regard to trade and the customs union - on what the British Government is seeking. We have agreed that what it will look for is as close a relationship as is possible with the European Union. That would suit Ireland. Clearly, if a country is removed from the Single Market, with a changed status in respect of the customs unions, these issues become politically very challenging. The Government will respond in considerable detail directly after Article 50 is triggered on how we intend to negotiate our position. I have set out the priorities on this already.

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