Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is too early to discuss in detail, or in terms of small print, the potential impact of the withdrawal process but I assure the House and the Deputy once again that, since the outcome of the referendum in the United Kingdom, we have been extremely clear that all the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement must be fully recognised and respected following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. We have been engaging extensively with all EU member states and institutions on this priority. There is a very good understanding among our EU partners of the importance of the Good Friday Agreement and, indeed, the peace process to the people of the island of Ireland. This is reflected in the inclusion of a specific reference to Ireland's priorities in the European Council draft negotiating guidelines and the Brexit resolution adopted by the European Parliament recently. The extensive and diplomatic engagement of recent months has been effective in this regard. This, of course, will continue. I would be very happy to keep the Deputy fully briefed and the House fully informed. The circumstances on the island of Ireland are most definitely unique and will need to be factored into the final negotiation detail.

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