Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Brexit and the ongoing political instability in the UK has disrupted Anglo-Irish relations. Our two countries are going in different directions and are at odds over the manner in which UK will exit the EU. This presents difficulties for the peace process, the Good Friday Agreement, and maintaining the all-island economy, to name but a few.

It is imperative, despite the obvious difficulties, that the British and Irish Governments continue to engage constructively with one another. Governments must lead from the front and set the tone for Anglo-Irish relations. Moreover the relationship underpins the peace process and there is an onus on both Governments to ensure that they work collectively and adhere to their obligations under the Good Friday Agreement. Historically, it has been the two Governments that have always been the engines and catalyst for driving the talks and getting things done. It is imperative that the same impetus continues from both Governments.

Furthermore, we cannot allow Brexit suck all of the oxygen from Anglo-Irish relations. Anglo-Irish relations are much more than just Brexit. Our countries are deeply entwined, economically, socially and culturally and will remain so in the post-Brexit environment. Ireland needs to actively nurture this relationship.

Last November the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference discussed a joint paper outlining a possible model to maintain and strengthen the high level of bilateral co-operation between Ireland and the UK post-Brexit. This commitment was reaffirmed at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference held in May of this year. Officials on both sides have commenced the process of turning these ideas into a practical plan of work with a view to presenting a fully worked through proposal for future east-west co-operation. Can the Tánaiste give the House an update on this, please?

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