Taoiseach moves fast to bandage wounds from Brexit

THE NEXT steps in the battle to bandage up the wounds caused by Brexit were outlined by the Taoiseach yesterday.

Mr Kenny spoke to the British Prime Minister and has received assurances that Ireland would be consulted and informed every step of the way as Britain unravels its links with the EU.

The Dáil will be recalled on Monday for a full debate on the dramatic decision.

Enda Kenny will then attend a meeting of all the remaining 27 EU countries next week, expected to be called for Thursday.

He will meet with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Executive on Monday week at the North-South Ministerial Council. Mr Kenny promised ‘detailed discussions on how to best approach these new circumstances – acting in the best interests of all of the people of Ireland, North and South.’

The Cabinet met in emergency session yesterday and adopted what it called a Contingency Framework identifying key policy issues arising from the referendum vote.

He said the Government will also ‘do our utmost’ in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and to minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands.

However, the Taoiseach said: ‘It is important to be clear, the UK has not actually left the EU. Until it formally withdraws from the Union, the UK remains a full member, with all of its existing rights and obligations.’

He added: ‘Businesses can continue to trade as normal and people can continue to travel as normal between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland’, insisting the Contingency Framework would map out the key issues most important to Ireland in the coming weeks and months.

The priority issues identified include BritishIrish relations, Northern Ireland, trade and investment, cross-border impacts, competitiveness and issues like energy and research and innovation funding.