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The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., will co-host the Government’s fourth plenary meeting of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit.

The event hosted in Dundalk IT is the first plenary meeting to be held in the border region.

Speaking before the event, the Tánaiste said:

I am delighted to host the fourth plenary meeting of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit alongside the Taoiseach in Dundalk. Since November 2016, around 500 representatives of civic society groups, trade unions, business groups, non-governmental organisations and political parties from across the island have participated in three plenary meetings. The All-Island Civic Dialogue is an important part of the Government’s response to Brexit and this stakeholder engagement continues to be invaluable in shaping the Government’s approach. I am particularly pleased to be hosting our first plenary session in the border region. The impact of Brexit on society and communities living in the border region has been foremost in our considerations throughout the process.

The Tánaiste also said:

A key focus of this plenary will be the perspective of young people regarding Brexit. Economic and civic society issues will also be discussed and some sessions will be themed around looking to the post-Brexit future.

EU Chief Negotiator for the Article 50 process, Michel Barnier will deliver the keynote address to the plenary session and meet with key Brexit stakeholders during the event.

Welcoming Mr. Barnier, the Tánaiste said:

We look forward to welcoming Michel Barnier to Dundalk and him updating attendees on the state of play in the negotiations. Mr. Barnier and his team have demonstrated a keen understanding of the unique circumstances of the island of Ireland and they have Ireland’s full support. We look forward to continued close cooperation with the Taskforce.