1. Preparing
for Brexit
17 February 2017

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

3. 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

4. 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…..)

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. Engagement Ireland Northern Ireland Other EU Member States
EU Institutions
Britain

10. 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 …

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Communications Challenging when still so much uncertainty
Regular bulletin – Brexit Update
Website – FAQs, public reports, key statements in one location
Media – interviews, briefings, articles
Major speeches, events
Social media

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