Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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394. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has or is in the process of preparing an analysis on a country basis of the way and the sectors in which Ireland can build on its bilateral relationships with the remaining EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16320/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to deepening and broadening its existing good relationships with all other EU Member States. I would emphasise that, while we have never been part of a geographical subgroup, ever since joining the then EEC in 1973 we have worked closely with on a sector-by-sector or issue-by-issue basis with like-minded partners. Much of this work takes place between Permanent Representations in Brussels and in the margins of Councils but capital-to-capital contact is also important.

Substantial analysis of how best to develop this further, both by country and by sector, has already been undertaken. The extensive programme of meetings at political and official levels with all other Member States on Brexit has also underscored the importance of networking with partners. Discussions with many Member States have revealed that they too are very mindful of the need to intensify alliances post-Brexit and are also looking at how best to do so. Some of them, especially those whose broad approach to economic issues such as trade and the digital single market is consistently similar to ours, have expressed an interest in co-operating further with us. In other areas, views and potential alliances may shift according to the specific issue under discussion, with the Member States concerned taking a common approach for different national reasons.

We will continue to develop our engagement with other Member States including through regular bilateral contact at both political and official level and through the effective use of our diplomatic network, above all the Permanent Representation in Brussels.