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The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. today met Michel Barnier who has been appointed as Chief Negotiator for the European Commission in relation to the UK exiting the EU.

The Tánaiste took the opportunity to discuss Irish National priorities such as Northern Ireland, the peace process and the common travel area.

She raised justice-specific issues and stressed that in terms of policing and security, Ireland would like to see the UK remain as close as is possible to the EU.
This must include arrangements such as the European Arrest Warrant. It makes sense and keeps all Europeans safer.

Speaking after the meeting, the Tánaiste said “The EU has provided an extensive infrastructure for close cooperation with regard to law enforcement. A significant amount of information is currently being transferred across the EU in relation to preventing terrorism and serious organised crime. That information exchange as well as policing and judicial cooperation must continue.

“Of course we work closely with the UK in relation to a range of criminal justice, policing, security and immigration matters. This cooperation takes place within a framework of domestic, bilateral, and EU laws. I am determined that no criminal or criminal organisation here benefits from the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.”

Notes for Editors:

· Michel Barnier was appointed as Chief Brexit Negotiator for the European Commission on 27 July 2016 and formally took up his position on 1 October.

· Mr. Barnier was most recently a special adviser to Commission President Jean Claude Juncker.

· Previously he has served as a Minister in the French Government holding 4 separate Ministries. He has also served as a European Commissioner and a Member of the European Parliament.