Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The bipartisan way in which we have approached Brexit is important. It is also important that, at this sensitive stage, our approach is maintained. We have shown that when we approach issues of national importance in a bipartisan manner, we can achieve great things for this country. It is important to maintain that in respect of all our commentary and engagement on Brexit. To that end, the Government remains entirely committed to engaging with the Opposition and to keeping the Deputy, as the Brexit spokesperson of his party, and other party representatives briefed.

The Government's position is that full legal effect should be part of the withdrawal agreement. At this sensitive juncture, it would be inappropriate for me to elaborate or to be more prescriptive regarding what is an ongoing negotiation between the task force and the British Government. The British Government is meeting on this today but we expect to see a full, legally enforceable agreement and all the protection that comes with that.

The Government has two jobs to do in the context of Brexit. The first is to get the best possible deal to minimise Brexit's effect on the people. Brexit is not a policy in this country but it is a huge challenge for us and we need to examine how we can deal with it. Second, we must put in place the domestic policies to Brexit-proof our economy and society. A number of measures have been introduced by Ministers in recent days. This process is at a sensitive and important stage but we expect to see full legal effect as part of the withdrawal agreement. We will certainly continue to engage in a bipartisan manner on this issue.

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