Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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2279. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the threats identified by his Department with regard to the responsibilities of his Department as a result of no deal being reached in Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26900/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s continuing engagement in the EUs Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). That said, given the significant role the UK has played in relation to the evolution of CSDP, it is likely that Brexit will have some impact on future developments in the Defence sphere at EU level. Until however the UK has indicated what kind of relationship it will seek with the EU and negotiations have been finalised, it is impossible to predict future possible outcomes in this regard. As the Deputy is aware formal negotiations commenced yesterday, and all potential consequences in the defence sphere, arising during the course of these negotiations will remain the subject of ongoing consideration by my Department.

The Government has adopted a contingency framework to deal with all issues arising in respect of the UK vote to leave the EU. Accordingly, any issues arising, including those within the Defence area, whether bilateral, or in respect of developments in CSDP, or regarding our wider international multilateral defence engagements, will be also addressed within that framework. On 2nd May, the Government published a comprehensive document on Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.This document sets out the approach of the Government to the forthcoming negotiations, following the successful campaign to have key Irish issues recognised in the EU negotiation position.In respect of the border, the potential implications in this regard will emerge during the course of the negotiations. It is this Government’s stated goal to try to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible. Responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners on request. The Defence Forces at all times keep operational plans under constant review and there will continue to be ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including through regular coordination and liaison meetings.

Similarly, in respect of fisheries protection and monitoring of Irish waters, the potential implications will emerge during the course of the negotiations. Accordingly, it is difficult at this stage to anticipate the implications including the impact on fishery protection requirements. The Naval Service and the Air Corps are working closely with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in relation to Brexit. Ongoing liaison with the European Fisheries Control Agency and with other Member States, will continue as appropriate.

The Government is under no illusions about the complexity of these negotiations. In that regard, I wish to reassure the Deputy that my Department is monitoring the ongoing situation to ensure that it is well prepared to address any potential issues arising in the defence area on foot of Brexit.