Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Brexit remains a key issue for this Government. The Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I take every opportunity to engage with our EU partners to advance Ireland’s priorities in matters arising from the UK's withdrawal from the EU, including the EU-UK future partnership negotiations, implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, and preparations for the end of the transition period.

My engagement with key interlocutors on Brexit issues has continued in recent months, including recent contacts with EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, and with a range of EU Foreign Ministers.  I have also spoken with Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis. This is in addition to the regular contact maintained between the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, and the Minister of State for European Affairs, with their counterparts across the EU and in the UK.

Officials from across Government are also continuing their work to make sure that Ireland’s voice is heard at the Future Partnership negotiations in line with the EU’s negotiating mandate and that work to implement the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland is taken forward.  Ireland has also participated, as part of the EU delegation, in the EU-UK Joint Committee and in Specialised Committees established under the Withdrawal Agreement, notably the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Protecting Ireland’s interests during this phase will require a continued whole of Government effort underpinned by the same coherent, cohesive approach that has characterised our Brexit strategy from the start. We continue to work with the Taskforce and the Commission, our EU partners, and stakeholders across this island, to this end.