Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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62. To ask the Taoiseach the reason he is against appointing a Brexit Minister; the way in which he came to this decision; the rationale used; and if he sought advice from his officials. [33243/16]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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70. To ask the Taoiseach if negotiations have commenced with the British Government over the future shape of British-Irish economic, travel and political relationships; and if so, the number of staff and their rank who have taken part in these negotiations. [32851/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 70 together.

The issue of Brexit and the challenges arising for Ireland are of such importance and scale that I do not believe it is appropriate or sufficient to allocate overall responsibility to a single Minister, or to have it dealt with as part of one Department's responsibilities. The issues involved concern all Ministers, Departments and Agencies and require a consistent and comprehensive whole-of-Government response.

The Government has considered Brexit issues regularly since the UK referendum result, including on foot of nine separate Memoranda for Government. I am ensuring that a whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being developed, including through a new Brexit Cabinet Committee which I established following the referendum result, which I chair and which will involve all Ministers as required.

I have also restructured my Department to ensure that Brexit is treated as a crucial cross-cutting issue, including my creating a newly amalgamated International, EU and Northern Ireland Division, under a new Second Secretary General. The work of this Division includes supporting the new Cabinet Committee on Brexit and the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs.

Work on Brexit is also supported by the Minister and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who now have a greater role in EU matters overall, with a newly created EU Division and the existing Division dealing with Anglo Irish affairs both having important roles to play.

Across Government, relevant Departments, agencies and overseas missions are being strengthened to deal with Brexit.

Article 50 will frame the negotiations on arrangements for the UK’s eventual withdrawal from the EU.We know from PM May that she intends to formally trigger Article 50 no later than the end of March next year. No negotiations will take place until Article 50 has been explicitly triggered.

There is, however, ongoing close political and official engagement, including with the British Government, Northern Ireland and the EU Member States and institutions.