Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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53. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meeting with his EU counterparts to agree a detailed mandate for the opening of negotiations with the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25643/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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67. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his colleagues have impressed upon all the authorities at EU level, those directly involved in negotiations and otherwise, the absolute necessity to ensure that Ireland's position as a committed member of the European Union does not become in any way diluted by idle speculation which could undermine the strength of Ireland's position in the context of the Brexit negotiations; if the objective of an all-island customs market remains central to the negotiations; his views that, far from being in a weakened position in the context of ongoing talks, Ireland's position as a committed member of the European Union will continue to prevail to ensure that Ireland's access to EU and UK markets is not in any way diminished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25605/17]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Will the Minister update us on the Brexit negotiations? I also wish to ask a question about a matter of fact. When the final decision regarding Brexit comes to be made, will it be made by qualified majority voting, QMV, or will Ireland have, as some have suggested, a veto on the final decision?

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 67 together.

I thank the Deputy for her question. I reiterate the points I made in response to the previous question asked by Deputy Smith. My expectation is that these negotiations will commence in June. It is absolutely essential that both parties - the EU, including Ireland, and the UK - address these negotiations in a spirit of compromise but also of goodwill and constructive engagement. The negotiating guidelines make reference to Gibraltar within the context of the framework of the future EU-UK relationship, which is the subject of a separate negotiation. This is entirely distinct and separate from the Irish Government's priority, which is to ensure that the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, including the Good Friday Agreement, are recognised. The Good Friday Agreement is an internationally recognised treaty registered with the United Nations, and this is a key distinguishing factor of our unique position in Ireland. It is important to note that any future trade deal between the European Union and the UK is likely to have to be ratified by national parliaments as well as the EU institutions. This is where the European Parliament has a role to play along with the leading role of the EU Council, comprising the heads of state or government of the member states. It is important to note that these negotiations will not be concluded in their entirety until such time as there is a trade deal between the European Union and the UK. Any trade deal will, in all likelihood, have to be ratified by national parliaments, including Ireland's.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I asked the Minister specifically about the final Council decision of the heads of government of the EU. Will the decision be made by QMV or by individual countries having the right to exercise a veto?

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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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.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In the event that the final deal has elements which are unfavourable to, unacceptable to or difficult for Ireland, is the Minister suggesting Ireland will have a veto on the deal? It is a factual question about the rules regarding the final, final negotiation when the UK chooses to leave. This is important in the context of recent statements - as recently as last night - by the British Prime Minister that no deal and a simple exit would be better than a bad Brexit. This has profound implications. In a certain sense, I do not think we wish to see this happen. We do not wish to see Britain leave the EU at all, but Britain seems set on its particular course, and last night the Prime Minister reiterated again, admittedly in the context of a general election, that no deal is better than a bad deal. Therefore, when it comes to the final, final stage, which we have been told many times by the Taoiseach will be for the heads of state after all the different institutions and so on have had their say and their participation, will the decision be made by qualified majority voting, as has been suggested, or will Ireland as a country have a veto?

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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From an Irish perspective, as I have said we have been particularly clear that we are commencing these negotiations with our EU colleagues from a position of strength on the side of the EU 27. This provides us with the best opportunity to pursue our priorities.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Is there a veto or-----

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I listened carefully to what the British Prime Minister said and I do not believe there are any circumstances in which walking away from the negotiating table or commencing negotiations in a way that can be seen as wholly negative is, in the circumstances, helpful. Any form of side negotiations between Ireland and the UK or any bilateral arrangements would, given the circumstances, be unhelpful. We are firmly on the side of the solidarity and support we have received from our EU partners. We are approaching the negotiations in a positive frame of mind and urge the United Kingdom to do so in a similar fashion.