Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with the Irish government on the future of the Ireland-UK border after the UK leaves the EU.

The Government remains committed to working with the Irish Government. As the Prime Minister said in her speech on 17 January 2017, we place huge value on maintaining the UK’s unique arrangements with Ireland and the friendly, cooperative relationship we’ve built in recent years. Maintaining the Common Travel Area with Ireland will be an important priority in the UK’s EU Exit talks ahead. It was formed before either the UK or Ireland was a member of the European Union. The family ties and bonds of affection that unite our two countries mean that there will always be a special relationship between us.

The Prime Minister met the Taoiseach in Dublin on 30 January and in London on 26 July 2016. In addition, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU met with Irish Ministers, including the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, Foreign and Europe Ministers, in Dublin on 8 September. Most recently, the Chancellor the Exchequer had meetings in Dublin on 9 January.

During these meetings a range of issues were discussed, including the future of the UK-Ireland border after the UK leaves the EU. The open border for people and businesses has served us well. There is a very strong commitment from the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive as well as ourselves to find a practical solution that recognises the unique circumstances on the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and the social, political and economic implications.

In addition, four UK Government Ministers, including the Secretaries of State for both Northern Ireland and Wales, attended the British-Irish Council on 25 November.