Oireachtas Brexit delegation to Westminster a success – Coghlan

Fine Gael Senator and Seanad Leas Chathaoirleach, Paul Coghlan, has discussed Brexit with a wide range of British politicians as part of an Oireachtas European Affairs delegation to Westminster. The visit comprised members of both Houses of the Oireachtas who sit on the EU Affairs Committee and also the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

Speaking on the visit to Westminster, Senator Coghlan said: “My colleagues and I had a series of meetings and discussions on Brexit, particularly with the Deputy Prime Minister David Lidington MP, and Shadow Sectary of State for Exiting the EU, Keir Starmer MP.

“We touched on a number of issues relating to Brexit and the impact it would have on the island of Ireland. We particularly stressed the importance of maintaining full regulatory alignment of the Customs Union and the Single Market which would support North-South cooperation and help protect the Good Friday agreement.

“The Irish Government has already taken important steps to prepare the Irish economy for the impact of Brexit. Significant measurers were announced in Budget 2018 and there has been a clear intensification of the Government’s contingency planning which provides for the consequences of different scenarios, particularly one in which no Withdrawal Agreement is concluded.

“We need to continue these meetings with both our British and EU counterparts, and make sure that Ireland’s priorities remain fully reflected in the EU negotiating position,” concluded Senator Coghlan.