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Taoiseach meets Prime Minister Rajoy

The Taoiseach traveled to Madrid this morning to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

The visit is part of the Government's programme of intensified engagement with EU partners. The meeting with Prime Minister Rajoy is the first opportunity for the Taoiseach to have a detailed discussion on Brexit and other EU issues with his Spanish counterpart since the formation of the Spanish Government in October. The Taoiseach will use the opportunity to explain Ireland’s particular concerns and identify common interests before the Brexit negotiations begin.

Speaking before his departure, the Taoiseach said:

We see our future very much at the heart of Europe and this view is supported by the vast majority of the Irish population. I look forward to exchanging views with Prime Minister Rajoy about the upcoming Brexit negotiations, in which Ireland will play a full and constructive role as part of the EU team.