I am pleased an agreement has been reached between EU & UK negotiators on a draft #Brexit Withdrawal Treaty. While I welcome these developments, Brexit is not our policy & is something we regret. However we respect the vote of the people of the UK. 
Our national priorities are:
- protecting the Good Friday Agreement.
- maintaining the Common Travel Area & related benefits
- reaffirming our place at the heart of the EU
- protecting trade, jobs and the economy
On each of these, we have reached a satisfactory outcome today.
- protecting the Good Friday Agreement.
- maintaining the Common Travel Area & related benefits
- reaffirming our place at the heart of the EU
- protecting trade, jobs and the economy
On each of these, we have reached a satisfactory outcome today.
Avoiding a hard border has proven to be one of the most difficult challenges. What has become know as “the backstop” is now fully spelt out in the Withdrawal Agreement. The backstop would apply “unless and until” a better solution is agreed.
These negotiations have been a tough, difficult experience for everyone involved. I want to acknowledge Prime Minister May’s integrity in honouring her promise to protect the Peace Process & Good Friday Agreement. She has been true to her word.
The Withdrawal Agreement states in black and white that Ireland & the EU fully respect the constitutional status of Northern Ireland as part of the UK, and that this can only change if the majority of people in NI want it to.
I am extremely grateful for the continued solidarity of the other Member States, our fellow members of the European Council, European Parliament and the Commission. In particular I want to again acknowledge the professionalism of @MichelBarnier and his team.
I also want to recognise my Govt colleagues, in particular Tánaiste @simoncoveney and Minister @HMcEntee and all the ministers and officials who have worked to secure today’s outcome.
This is not an end point. The full text of the Withdrawal Agreement - all 500 pages - will be scrutinised in the coming days. There is still a long way to go but I believe the draft agreement published today is a very solid step on the journey.
