Jobs Committee meeting with Northern Irish counterparts highlights need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation

8th December 2016

Today’s meeting initiated the biannual meetings that will continue to take place between the two committees.

Committee chairperson, Mary Butler TD, said, “Today’s informal meeting highlighted the complex picture that is emerging around Brexit, with an emphasis on the North and border counties. Members of both our committees raised concerns about the lack of clarity around what form Brexit will take and we were in agreement on the need to promote dialogue between North and South in order to mitigate any negative effects of Brexit. Our colleagues from the Assembly reflected many of the concerns of the people of Northern Ireland as well as those people living north and south of the border. Our meeting focused on discussions around how we can protect our economic interests.”

“There is a significant amount of common ground between us, particularly in relation to the border and the negative impact a hard border may have on the all-island economy. Today’s informal meeting was a valuable opportunity for us to discuss how we can work together to protect and secure job creation, SMEs and entrepreneurial supports. We look forward to meeting with the Committee on the Economy in the future and hope to build upon the good relations and constructive discussion these informal meetings can foster.”

ENDS