merrion street

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Charlie Flanagan shows the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, the "invisible" border between Ireland and Northern Ireland

Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Jean Asselborn, is in Dublin today at the invitation of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Charlie Flanagan. The Ministers will have a bilateral meeting in Dublin to discuss Brexit and a number of foreign policy issues. They will then travel to the border region where they will see at first hand the implications of Brexit for local businesses and border communities generally.

Speaking before his meeting with Minister Asselborn, Minister Flanagan said:

Since the UK referendum I have had a number of discussions with my colleague, Minister Asselborn, on the implications of Brexit. Jean is one of the most experienced EU foreign ministers and he plays an important role on the Foreign Affairs Council. I am grateful to him for taking the time to visit Dublin and the border region. Brexit is likely to be felt very keenly in Luxembourg, as it will in Ireland. This visit is part of the Government’s ongoing intensive programme of diplomatic outreach in advance of the UK’s triggering of Article 50 later this month.

While in Dublin, Minister Asselborn will join Minister Flanagan in addressing a Model European Council meeting for second level students in Dublin Castle. Transition Year students from schools all over Ireland will represent the EU’s different member states and take part in a debate on Europe.

Minister Flanagan said:

Support for the EU remains high in Ireland because of an awareness of its value and achievements. Schools play a vital role in ensuring informed citizens and I am delighted Minister Asselborn and I will both address today’s Model European Council Meeting.