Simon Coveney meets EU’s chief Brexit negotiator

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said he has been left in no doubt that Ireland's interests are the EU's interests in Brexit negotiations.

Speaking after his first meeting with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier since being appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Coveney said Ireland's unique circumstances are well understood in Brussels.

Mr Coveney said it was clear from the pair's discussions in Luxembourg that Ireland remained a key EU priority in talks that started this week on the UK's exit from the bloc.

“For the EU27’s part, we have set out our position plainly and in this position there is a strong acknowledgement of Ireland’s unique concerns and priorities, including on: protecting both the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process; avoiding a hard Border on the island of Ireland, and maintaining the Common Travel Area,” he said.

Big US banks consider moving business out of UK

---

British atmosphere seems to have taken turn against hard Brexit

---

Britain’s last day in the EU? Here are some key Brexit dates

---

Varadkar to meet British PM as Brexit talks begin in Brussels

---

“In short, there is no doubt that Ireland’s interests are the EU’s interests.”

Mr Coveney stressed that the State wanted to see the closest possible future relationship between the EU and the UK, to minimise the impact of Brexit on Ireland’s trade and economy.

PA