Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his meetings and work with Mr. Michel Barnier regarding Brexit. [8356/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I most recently met with the Head of the European Commission’s Brexit Taskforce, Michel Barnier, in Brussels on 9 February. This meeting formed part of the Government’s continued programme of extensive engagement with EU partners to emphasise Ireland’s unique set of priorities with regard to Brexit and the many complex issues relating to Northern Ireland, the Common Travel Area and the depth of our trade relationship with the UK. Ireland’s engagement with Mr Barnier and his taskforce at political and official level has been and continues to be very constructive. Dublin was one of the first capitals visited by Mr Barnier in his Brexit role and during his visit on 12 October last, in addition to my own bilateral meeting with him, he had very positive discussions with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister of State for European Affairs. Our meeting on 9 February provided an opportunity to take stock of Ireland’s regular and ongoing engagement with Mr Barnier’s team on key aspects of the negotiations process and the Irish-specific aspects, including the Common Travel Area and on border issues. I also welcomed the fact that Mr Barnier has highlighted the need to address Ireland’s specific concerns as a priority in the upcoming negotiations.

I shared the Government’s perspective on recent developments, including Prime Minister May’s speech and the recent British Government White Paper. In this respect, I reiterated that we share the UK’s objective of maintaining the Common Travel Area as it now stands. I also welcomed the UK’s objective of achieving as close and frictionless a trade relationship as possible with the EU after it departs.

I emphasised the Government’s commitment to maintaining this close engagement with Mr Barnier and his taskforce and that we will continue to work closely with the Commission team at political and official level as we address the particular challenges ahead.