Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ryan's question is valid. Article 50 sets out the process for the so-called divorce proceedings over a two-year period. If they are not concluded within that period, an extension can only happen with the unanimous support of the European Council which I assume would be given. The article also clearly states the future framework of the future relationship must be taken into account. These two things confuse lots of people because on the one hand we say we will talk only about the exit strategy and wait until it is concluded before we start talking about the future strategy and yet, on the other hand, Article 50 itself says we must take into account what the future framework is. It may well be that when the European Council comes together on 29 April to sign off on the negotiating foundations there will be some discussion about whether we do this on the basis of a series of pillars that move forward together in respect of the divorce proceedings as distinct from the future trading relationship which is the fundamental issue that will follow. My view is if we focus exclusively on the question of what the assessment of charges might be for the British Government and these are principles and modalities to be followed it would be far better to talk about a range of issues in respect of the exit process by the United Kingdom before we run into any particular stone walls. The Deputy raised a question about common positions. Energy, water and animal health are issues that could be considered for an all-island situation here.

The European Union of 27 has its own agenda - the Single Market, the single digital market, the capital markets and how we continue to invest for prosperity and future job opportunities. It is the European Union agenda for the future. The question here is to negotiate what the future relationship of the United Kingdom will be with those 27, one of which will be Ireland. It is a common agenda of the 27. The future framework and that structure of negotiation between the UK and the European Union is one where the negotiations will obviously get into serious detail in the time ahead.

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