Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with the Senator that we need to continue such visits. We must ensure that our relations stay strong. We have had a turbulent past but in recent years - in particular through our common membership of the European Union - the United Kingdom has been our closest neighbour, friend and ally in many different areas. We must ensure that is not affected because of Brexit but that our relations stay strong.

While the Government is not considering rejoining the Commonwealth at present, the Embassy of Ireland in London will remain our biggest bilateral embassy globally. The focus on expanding Ireland’s global footprint is key to our foreign policy at present. Many of the countries and areas under consideration in this regard are members of the Commonwealth and we believe we can develop and enhance our bilateral relationships with them in this manner. The focus on our relationship with the United Kingdom will continue to be a priority for us, particularly through these difficult negotiations on Brexit. I thank the Senator for raising this issue.