merrion street

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, met this afternoon with the EU Commission’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit, Michel Barnier, at Leinster House.

The Minister said:

“Michel Barnier is well-known to us here in Ireland and his appointment to this important role reflects his experience and standing across the EU. Taking place ahead of any formal negotiations, this first meeting involved a very constructive, helpful first discussion of the key issues for Ireland. I focused my contribution on the unique situation around Northern Ireland and the border, stressing the central importance of this dimension to everyone on this island.

I look forward to continued and regular dialogue with Mr. Barnier as part of my ongoing engagement with my counterparts across all EU capitals and with key figures in the EU institutions. My next engagement will be a meeting with my Luxembourg counterpart, Jean Asselborn, on Sunday ahead of a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on Monday”.