Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government continues to make this point at every opportunity. Senators asked me directly whether a Border poll had been discussed with my UK counterparts. Yes, it was the subject matter of discussion. I do not expect a Border poll in the near future. I stand strongly by the letter and spirit and the terms and conditions of the Good Friday Agreement as far as that is concerned. I hope that the Executive in Northern Ireland engages in and embarks on a programme of engagement that will ensure they can play their full part in the discussions that have been promised with them by Prime Minister May and that I expect to take place before the end of the year.

I continue to engage, in the closest possible terms, with the new Secretary of State Brokenshire. I acknowledge, having regard to the fact that his appointment was only confirmed a couple of months ago, that he has spent a considerable amount of time on the ground in Northern Ireland and we exchange views on a most regular basis.

Some of the issues that have been raised here by Senator Ó Clochartaigh and others are of extreme importance. For example, he mentioned smuggling, the black market and racketeering. I wish to say yet again that the relationship between PSNI and the Garda Síochána is at its closest, most constructive and most positive ever. I believe that is important. My colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, continues to play a lead role in that regard. We have been in a position, following the recovery from our economic catastrophe, to make funding available in order to ensure that the Garda Síochána continues to be of full strength within the Border areas. In this regard, let me acknowledge today's decision by the former Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland, Mr. David Ford, to announce his retirement as leader of the Alliance Party. I wish to acknowledge his great contribution to Northern Ireland politics, justice and security issues over a long number of years. I am sure Senators will join with me in wishing him well in his future endeavours in his retirement.

I will remain in direct and regular contact with my counterparts in the British Government and EU partners to ensure that the interests of Northern Ireland, and the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process, are top of the agenda in our respective approaches. I will continue my close and positive engagement with the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the leaders of all the other main parties in the North, all of whom I have spoken to directly since the referendum result was confirmed on 24 June.

As I said in my opening remarks, I will work towards and work for a series of special arrangements to take account of the unique circumstances in Northern Ireland. I am mindful of what Senator Joe O'Reilly said that the people of Northern Ireland voted to remain. That has been the subject matter of discussions and discourse.

I have already mentioned the important North-South Ministerial Council meeting that will take place on 18 November. I acknowledge what Senator Richmond said as far as the British-Irish Council is concerned. It will hold a summit meeting in Cardiff in November. This will be followed by a plenary meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. I know there are Senators here who are members of that body too. It is important that we all make the best possible use of the engagement at these different forums to engage with our UK counterparts and to continue with the dialogue around Brexit and what it means for these two islands. There is the North-South parliamentary tier as well. It is another body that can probably exercise a level of influence on the debate that can be regarded by all as being positive.

I note that Senators have acknowledged that Brexit is not just a British, Irish or European issue but a global one. I spent last week in New York at the UN General Assembly where I had an opportunity to take the temperature of partner countries and that of Irish-American business and community leaders.

The engagement at political level is most extensive, thorough and sustained. It is my intention, and that of my Government colleagues, that it will remain that way. The same applies to community engagement. The Government is committed to holding inclusive all-island civic dialogue on this topic. We continue to engage with different sectors and communities in order to get the fullest possible perspective on these issues. I welcome the engagement by Senators and what Senators Leyden and Mark Daly have said about the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. I believe it is important that the committees of this House also use their experience, expertise and influence on this debate, so that we can ensure that we play our best possible hand in what is going to be a challenge, a fact we all acknowledge.

The Government is committed to working with the European Union and in our membership of the eurozone for a prosperous, safer and better future for all of our citizens. In tandem with this, we will continue to work to ensure that the positive links that we enjoy today, North and South, east and west, are protected and promoted to the best possible extent.I acknowledge what Senators have said about this. I thank them for sharing their time and expertise with me. I count this House as a great resource for the Government in responding to the challenge as it unfolds. I assure Senators of my continued engagement with them as we all deal with this issue in the best interest of citizens, North and South.