#Brexit: Ireland publishes its strategy for the Brexit negotiations

In what the Irish government describes as an ‘unprecedented political, economic and diplomatic challenge for Ireland’ the government have unveiled their 68 page Brexit strategy. Ireland’s Department of Finance has already carried out research that shows that a hard Brexit could have a very damaging impact on the Irish economy.

Ireland was the first out of the starting blocks when the British voted to leave the EU. In what it describes as “one of the largest undertakings of the Irish Government over the last fifty years” the Irish have been clearly and determinedly making their concerns known. That Ireland and its border features in the top three issues in the first phase of EU negotiations is a testament to its dogged determination.

In the introduction the document reassures that Ireland will be negotiating from a position of strength as part of the EU Team of 27 member states and says that its unique position and concerns are recognised by the Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier and other EU countries.

The strategy comprehensively sets out the positions and priorities that will underpin Ireland’s engagement in the Brexit process as it unfolds over the next two years. Ireland’s headling priorities are listed as: minimising the impact on our trade and economy, protecting the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement, maintaining the Common Travel Area with the UK, and securing Ireland’s future in a strong European Union.

In order to mitigate the risks presented by Brexit for the Irish economy and trade as well as across the range of sectoral areas, the Irish Government has outlined its five pronged approach.

Firstly, the country will focus on managing public finances to help the country withstand a fiscal shock. Secondly, Ireland will try to shape the approach of the EU27 to ensure the closest possible future relationship between the UK and EU minimising the disruption for citizens and businesses. Thirdly, the Government and stakeholders will continue to work on ‘Sectoral Brexit Response Plans’. Fourthly, Ireland will explore existing EU measures that could potentially assist Ireland in mitigating the effects of the UK’s withdrawal, including active discussions with the European Investment Bank on the potential for increased investment in Ireland to back the Government’s 10-year capital plan. Finally, Ireland will promote itself as a location for business, talent and the EU agencies that will have to relocate from the EU.

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