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In a positive meeting today, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD discussed Cultural Cooperation and Heritage Issues and Brexit with UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Matt Hancock MP, Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Margot James MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Michael Ellis MP, in London.

Speaking today, Minister Madigan said: “I was very pleased to meet with my counterparts in the UK Government to discuss issues relating to culture and heritage, as well as the potential impact of Brexit on these sectors. We had a very positive and productive discussion and I look forward to our working together to advance culture and heritage in both our countries.

“The Cultural sector is an area where there is much existing collaboration that can be built upon. For example, the Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, Sean Rainbird, has worked closely with the Royal Collection to bring high profile exhibitions to Ireland including a recent collection of Leonardo da Vinci drawings.

“This is an important time in our relationship with the UK. As our nearest neighbour leaves the European Union, it is important that we maintain strong bilateral ties and work towards an outcome that leaves Ireland in the best possible position.

“The Government has been consistent in our position that it is in Ireland’s interest that there is the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK. This will be a critical part of minimising the impact of Brexit, including on our trade and our economy.”