Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the common travel area, I take very much the point raised by the Deputy. It is very much welcome that the guidelines provide that existing bilateral arrangements and agreements between the United Kingdom and Ireland which are compatible with EU law should and will be recognised. This will be an issue to dealt with in the negotiations. I am encouraged by a commitment on the part of the European Union and the United Kingdom to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. I acknowledge that the common travel agreement involves much more than just travel and freedom of movement and the right and entitlement to safe passage. It also involves a right to welfare, benefits, a pension and work. We are anxious that it be fully acknowledged, appreciated and recognised in the context of the negotiations. The legal concept of the bilateral arrangement which is, in effect, the common travel area between the United Kingdom and Ireland has been recognised.

On the other aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, we will be pressing our EU colleagues to ensure this internationally recognised and legally binding agreement will be in a position of prominence throughout the negotiations.

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