Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of meetings he has attended since the beginning of September 2018 with his officials to discuss and prepare for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3601/19]

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

The decision by the United Kingdom to leave the EU is one that we respect and regret. It has provided the context for much of the work of my Department, particularly since 2016. As such, Brexit-related matters are discussed regularly in meetings with my officials, including my regular meetings with the Secretary General and with the Management Board of the Department.

My Department has an International Policy Division which coordinates preparations for Brexit. The focus of the Department has been on the protection of the Common Travel Area, the maintenance of the closest possible cooperation in policing and criminal justice matters, the maintenance of a functioning system of extradition, and the maintenance of efficient mechanisms to deal with cross-border civil, commercial and family law matters, as far as possible.

This focus is reflected both in my regular engagement with officials and when I’m briefed in advance of, for example, meetings with my UK or other EU counterparts, and other engagements, be they domestic or abroad.

In this context I discuss Brexit preparations with my officials in advance of every meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, at my formal meetings with my Management Board and in my regular discussions with my Secretary General. 

In addition to meeting with officials I am in receipt of regular written briefings on the Department’s planning for Brexit which ensure that I am kept apprised of the policy issues arising for my Department on an ongoing basis.