Byrne in Brexit talks in Luxembourg

The Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne will discuss Brexit at meeting of European Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg today.

Ministers also hope to reach agreement on an EU wide “traffic light” system for international travel in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ministers will also prepare for the European Council meeting of EU Leaders, due to take place later this week. Minister Byrne will attend that meeting with An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Byrne said:

“Myself and Minister Coveney will today discuss with our European colleagues the current state of play on Brexit. We are entering into a crucial stage of negotiations and this meeting provides a useful opportunity to discuss progress on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and to reiterate the realities of Brexit for the island of Ireland.”

Minister Byrne continued:

“I am also looking forward to engaging with my EU colleagues on Covid-19 and in particular on progress on the coordination of travel restrictions and the development and distribution of a vaccine at EU level.

“While Level 3 restrictions mean that the decision on travel may not be of immediate concern to Irish people – as we are being advised not to leave our county - going forward we need certainty both for the industry and for those who must travel for essential purposes.

“I have been contacted by countless numbers of people from Meath whose incomes have been severely impacted by the travel restrictions, including many airline staff who have either lost their jobs or have had their hours significantly reduced. We need a framework for how air travel will work when Covid-19 levels here have improved”.

In addition, Ministers will discuss the EU budget for the next seven years, rule of law and the planned Conference on the Future of Europe.