Published on
Minister Flanagan welcomes the recognition of Ireland’s unique issues in today’s European Parliament’s resolution on Brexit
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charles Flanagan T.D., has welcomed today’s adoption by the vast majority of MEPs in the European Parliament of a resolution presenting the Parliament’s approach to forthcoming Brexit negotiations with the UK.
Speaking from Dublin today, Minister Flanagan said:
“The European Parliament will have an important role to play in the forthcoming Brexit process, so I welcome the resounding approval of today’s comprehensive resolution. I am greatly encouraged that the resolution contains a very strong acknowledgement of Ireland’s unique concerns on Brexit. This position reflects the sound understanding within the Parliament of our unique issues, not least in relation to the peace process, the border and the Common Travel Area, and the need to address these issues effectively in the forthcoming negotiations.
“The European Parliament’s resolution, taken together with the text of the draft Guidelines to be considered by the European Council on 29 April and the recognition of Ireland’s concerns in Prime Minister’s letter of notification, is yet another example of the benefits of Ireland’s strong diplomatic effort in recent months and the level of understanding that there is of Ireland’s unique position. The support of the European Parliament, whose resolution today was supported by virtually all the main European Political Groups, as well as the other EU institutions and the other EU Member States, is a clear demonstration that Ireland will be negotiating from a position of strength.”
The Minister continued:
“I and my government colleagues have had very positive meetings with senior Members of the European Parliament regarding Ireland’s unique concerns. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the leadership shown by Guy Vershofstadt MEP in his role as the European Parliament’s representative on Brexit matters and to members of the Constitutional Affairs Committee. Ireland’s MEPs are also playing a very important role. I look forward to continued engagement with the Parliament in the months ahead.”