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Minister Flanagan to have talks with Speaker of the German Parliament

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, will hold talks tomorrow (Thursday) at Iveagh House with the Speaker of the German Bundestag, Prof. Dr Norbert Lammert. Professor Lammert - who ranks second after the President under the German constitution - is in Dublin for a three day visit as guest of the Ceann Comhairle.

Speaking before the talks Minister Flanagan said:

“It is a great honour to welcome Professor Lammert to Dublin. Germany is a key partner for Ireland on so many issues. I look forward to an exchange on some of the most pressing issues on the European agenda, including Brexit, and on the future direction of Europe.

“I warmly welcome Professor Lammert’s plan to visit the border. I will be impressing on him that it is a matter of vital national interest for Ireland that we do not return to the days of a hard border.

“The Irish Government it taking every opportunity to impress upon our EU partners the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the need for these to be recognised and accommodated in the negotiations between the EU and the UK that are expected to begin this month.

“Between my own Department and the Department of An Taoiseach, over 120 engagements between the Irish Government at ministerial and official level and our EU counterparts have taken place in advance of the triggering of Article 50, and these intensive diplomatic efforts are continuing.”

Professor Lammert is scheduled to make courtesy calls on President Higgins and the Taoiseach before departing Ireland on Friday.