Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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119. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is recognised throughout the European Union that the British Government's stance on Brexit appears to be based on the UK's view that Brexit means retention of unrestricted access to the EU markets without the responsibility of commitment to the EU principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14026/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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At its meeting on 22-23 March, the European Council adopted Guidelines on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship. These Guidelines restate the Union's determination to have as close as possible a partnership with the UK in the future. However, they also expressly state that the EU’s position has to take into account the repeatedly stated positions of the UK, which limit the depth of such a future partnership. The Guidelines reiterate in particular that any agreement with the UK will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations, and ensure a level playing field while also protecting the integrity of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. They point out that a non-member of the Union, which does not live up to the same obligations as a member, cannot have the same rights and enjoy the same benefits as a member.

I welcome that, notwithstanding these important considerations, the EU has signalled its readiness to initiate work towards a balanced, ambitious and wide-ranging free trade agreement (FTA) insofar as there are sufficient guarantees for a level playing field. I also strongly welcome the EU’s commitment to revisit its position should the UK’s approach evolve.