EU Affairs Committee welcomes EU guiding principles for Brexit talks on Ireland and Northern Ireland

Committee Chairman, Michael Healy Rae said, “The guiding principles published today by the EU in relation to upcoming Brexit talks on Ireland and Northern Ireland are positive, helpful and broadly welcomed. It is clear that the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, in particular the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area, are fully recognised, which is very much appreciated.

Now, we must continue dialogue and talk about potential ways in which those problems may be addressed to the benefit of all citizens affected. As Mr Barnier highlighted to a delegation of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs in February, flexible and imaginative solutions are required. I am encouraged to again see this approach in the Guiding Principles today and look forward to further engagement on the detail of any proposed solutions.

The Guiding Principles reflect the EU’s desire for these objectives to be achieved, with the goal of fully mitigating the effects of Brexit on the island of Ireland.”