Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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104. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have a bilateral meeting with his Croatian counterpart to discuss Brexit and to strengthen ties between Croatia and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37583/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland enjoys very good bilateral relations with Croatia, and, as has been the case with all EU member states, the Government has maintained frequent contact with our Croatian counterparts with regards to Brexit.

Most recently, I met with the new Croatian Foreign Minister, Gordan Grlic-Radman, on August 10th and was able to comprehensively brief him on Brexit and the details of the backstop. He expressed full solidarity with the Irish and EU position on Brexit, and I am confident that ties between our two countries will continue to develop along positive lines.

The Government will have close engagement with our Croatian counterparts in the run-up to the Croatian Presidency in 2020, including during at the monthly meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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105. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has stated his support for Mr. Michel Barnier to be retained until Brexit discussions are completed. [37406/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach and I have made clear on a number of occasions Ireland’s full support for Michel Barnier in his role as the EU’s chief negotiator regarding the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU.  We fully support Ursula von der Leyen’s assessment, as incoming President of the European Commission, that he has done an outstanding job since his appointment in July 2016.  

Mr Barnier has been strong and consistent in presenting a very clear EU position during negotiations with the United Kingdom.  During this time, he and his team, have demonstrated a deep understanding and sympathy for the unique position Ireland faces.  This has been reflected in the positions taken by the EU throughout the negotiations, .

I understand that Ms von der Leyen has said she will hold talks with Mr Barnier about extending his mandate as Chief Negotiator after she takes office on 1 November. Ultimately, this remains a decision for the incoming President.