merrion street

Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection Dara Murphy today attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels, ahead of Thursday’s EU summit, where leaders will focus on reaching agreement on the EU-UK negotiations, and will also return to the issue of migration.
 
Speaking in Brussels after the Council meeting, Minister Murphy said:
 
“It’s in all of our interests – Ireland, the UK and our EU partners – that leaders reach a deal at this week’s European Council. The Government’s views on the EU-UK relationship have been made clear on many occasions. It is undoubtedly in our interests that the UK should remain in the Union. Contributing to that outcome is the Government’s overall objective in these negotiations.”
 
“The negotiations, led by European Council President Donald Tusk, have been progressing well. A draft decision of Heads of State and Government, and related documents, have been the subject of in-depth discussion at senior official level since their publication, and Ministers discussed the decision and the outstanding issues at today’s meeting of the General Affairs Council.
 
“Ireland has played a constructive and active part in the ongoing negotiations and will continue to do so this week. Some outstanding issues remain but I know the Taoiseach looks forward to participating actively and constructively in the discussions on Thursday when it is hoped that partners will agree on a package that addresses the concerns of the UK and is acceptable for all EU member States.
 
“It may well be a long night in Brussels on Thursday, but I am confident that we will see a deal emerge. Europe does not need any additional uncertainty, so I  am hopeful that the process of negotiation ends satisfactorily this week.”