Preparing for Brexit 17 February 2017

Overall Approach Establishing national priorities Consulting those affected Putting Ireland’s case to EU partners Pursuing opportunities where they arise

Article 50 process Negotiations don’t start before Article 50 triggered UK notifies European Council 2 year negotiation period can be extend unanimously. Exit effective from agreed date - if no agreed date, two years after notification. EU Priorities for exit negotiations set out – UK outstanding liabilities; rights of EU citizens; EU agencies UK; Northern Ireland and Gibraltar Exit to take account of framework for future relationship

Article 50 process European Council: mandate, political oversight, final decision (QMV) Commission: leads negotiations for EU European Parliament: consent required Ireland: Always at the table (European Council, GAC, COREPER, Working Group, engaged with Task Force, MEPs…..)

Taking Action Contingency planning 23 June vote Appropriate Structures Analysis Ready for Article 50 negotiations Consultation Engagement Communications

Structures Government Cabinet Committee on Brexit Inter Departmental Group of Senior Officials Each Department D/Taoiseach & D/Foreign Affairs core team Thematic Working Groups State Agencies Embassy Network

Analysis Contingency Framework before referendum ‘Deeper dive’ into all key areas and sectors Confirmation of headline priorities Economy, Northern Ireland, Common Travel Area, Future of EU Detailed research (internal and external) Risks, challenges and opportunities

Consultation Each Department and Agency consulting – existing and new mechanisms All-Island Civic Dialogue: Plenary meetings Sectoral meetings Key findings inform negotiation position

Engagement Ireland Northern Ireland Other EU Member States EU Institutions Britain

Engagement: Northern Ireland Unique circumstances and challenges North South Ministerial Council Analysis of cross-border issues and challenges Agreed principles Engagement with all main political parties “All-island” aspect of consultation Current political situation …

Engagement: Britain Taoiseach – Prime Minister meetings Ministerial Meetings British Irish Council Existing structures for senior officials Close engagement on all key issues Respect “no negotiation” principle

Engagement: Other EU Member States Meeting Prime Ministers – Summits, bilaterals Ministers for Foreign Affairs and EU Affairs Other Ministers (including Council meetings) Irish Embassies fully mobilised Briefings for EU embassies in Dublin Senior officials meeting in key capitals

Engagement: EU Institutions Presidents (Council, Commission, Parliament) Michel Barnier, head of Brexit Task Force Other Commissioners European Parliament Detailed technical meetings with Task Force Participation in Task Force Technical Seminars Active in all structures and working groups Influence guidelines and mandate for Barnier

Communications Challenging when still so much uncertainty Regular email bulletin – Brexit Update Website – FAQs, public reports, key statements in one location Media – interviews, briefings, articles Major speeches, events Social media - @merrionstreet & @dfatirl

Key Priorities Economy and Trade Northern Ireland – GFA, border Common Travel Area Future of Europe Protect key economic sectors Pursue all economic opportunities

www.merrionstreet.ie/brexit