Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My understanding is that the negotiations will be concluded. At this stage it is too early to speculate on any detail of the negotiations, but I encourage the European Union, including Ireland, to approach these negotiations with a view towards concluding a deal. Our wish and priority is that there will be as close as possible a relationship, ultimately, between the departing UK as a former member of the European Union and the remaining EU 27. This is why I do not agree with or subscribe to the view that no deal is better than a bad deal. I believe it is important that everyone approach these negotiations with a view towards reaching a deal in what will be a very difficult and challenging environment. No EU member has ever left the Union, which is why detailed negotiations over a period of two years or more need to be approached in as constructive a way as possible in order ultimately to give rise to an agreement on the part of EU heads of state and government which will be ratified by the European Parliament.

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