Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

338. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a Brexit sub-committee has been established in his Department; if so, when the sub-committee was convened; the number of times the sub-committee has met; the number of members on the sub-committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36205/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A number of structural changes to the workings of Government have been required to ensure an effective whole-of-Government response to the challenges posed by the British decision to leave the European Union.

In terms of my own Department, this has included the re-establishment of an EU Division, under the leadership of a Second Secretary-General. This Division manages overall coordination on EU issues across Government, and includes a Unit that is focussed on the forthcoming EU-UK negotiations.

Their efforts are complemented by the ongoing work of other parts of my Department where Brexit continues to be a priority issue, not least in terms of the Northern Ireland aspects, our bilateral relationship with the UK and implications for trade and investment.

The complex nature of these matters requires close management at the most senior level. Consequently, on the arrival of the head of the EU Division in the Department in October, the Secretary-General established a Group involving the Heads of relevant Divisions – EU; Ireland, United Kingdom and Americas; Political; Legal; Trade; and Eastern Neighbourhood and Policy - and who meet on a weekly basis under his chairmanship to provide the necessary oversight and guidance on the key issues and to ensure co-ordination. There is also very regular contact with the Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments concerned.