Menu
12/03/2019
Taoiseach: New Brexit Assurances Don't Undermine Backstop
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the Instrument agreed on the UK's Withdrawal Agreement yesterday does not reopen or undermine the backstop.
It comes after the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, said she had managed to secure legally-binding changes to the Brexit deal.
Parliament are set to vote on the deal again later today, 12 March, after the initial agreement suffered the largest ever defeat in the House of Commons in January.
Mr Varadkar said this morning: "In the context of tonight's vote in Westminster, the outcome from yesterday's meeting between Prime Minister May and President Juncker is positive, and I hope and trust that the Withdrawal Agreement will be now endorsed by the House of Commons. In discussions with the UK, the Government has worked hand in hand with our EU partners and the EU institutions, including the Commission and Michel Barnier's Task Force.
"In that work, we have insisted that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be rewritten, and that the backstop arrangement, while intended to be temporary, must continue to apply unless and until it is replaced by future arrangements that can achieve the same objective, namely no hard border. However, we have also said that we were prepared to offer guarantees and further reassurances and to the UK of our good faith and intentions- indeed we have offered such reassurances on many occasions.
"The Instrument agreed yesterday puts those assurances on a legal footing and represents an unambiguous statement by both parties of what has been agreed. It does not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, or undermine the backstop or its application.
"It says that we will work together, in good faith, in pursuit of a future relationship that ensures that the objectives of the Protocol, particularly the need to avoid a hard border, are met."
British MPs were told the joint instrument agreed by Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker "reduces the risk" that the UK would be trapped in the backstop.
"These doubts and fears can now be put to bed," Mr Varadkar added.
(JG/CM)
It comes after the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, said she had managed to secure legally-binding changes to the Brexit deal.
Parliament are set to vote on the deal again later today, 12 March, after the initial agreement suffered the largest ever defeat in the House of Commons in January.
Mr Varadkar said this morning: "In the context of tonight's vote in Westminster, the outcome from yesterday's meeting between Prime Minister May and President Juncker is positive, and I hope and trust that the Withdrawal Agreement will be now endorsed by the House of Commons. In discussions with the UK, the Government has worked hand in hand with our EU partners and the EU institutions, including the Commission and Michel Barnier's Task Force.
"In that work, we have insisted that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be rewritten, and that the backstop arrangement, while intended to be temporary, must continue to apply unless and until it is replaced by future arrangements that can achieve the same objective, namely no hard border. However, we have also said that we were prepared to offer guarantees and further reassurances and to the UK of our good faith and intentions- indeed we have offered such reassurances on many occasions.
"The Instrument agreed yesterday puts those assurances on a legal footing and represents an unambiguous statement by both parties of what has been agreed. It does not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, or undermine the backstop or its application.
"It says that we will work together, in good faith, in pursuit of a future relationship that ensures that the objectives of the Protocol, particularly the need to avoid a hard border, are met."
British MPs were told the joint instrument agreed by Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker "reduces the risk" that the UK would be trapped in the backstop.
"These doubts and fears can now be put to bed," Mr Varadkar added.
(JG/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 February 2019
Taoiseach's Brussels Visit: No Renegotiation Of Brexit Deal
The EU has restated its firm position on the UK's divorce deal as non-negotiable. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in Brussels for further Brexit talks with senior EU officials this week, in a bid to consolidate support for the current proposal and ramp up plans for a no-deal scenario.
Taoiseach's Brussels Visit: No Renegotiation Of Brexit Deal
The EU has restated its firm position on the UK's divorce deal as non-negotiable. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in Brussels for further Brexit talks with senior EU officials this week, in a bid to consolidate support for the current proposal and ramp up plans for a no-deal scenario.
18 January 2019
Tánaiste: Backstop 'Essential' In Withdrawal Agreement
Tánaiste Simon Coveney has stressed the importance of the border backstop as part of the Withdrawal Agreement, which he maintains is not up for renegotiation. The backstop is a measure accepted by the EU to protect against a hard border and any type of physical checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland, as part of the UK's divorce agreement.
Tánaiste: Backstop 'Essential' In Withdrawal Agreement
Tánaiste Simon Coveney has stressed the importance of the border backstop as part of the Withdrawal Agreement, which he maintains is not up for renegotiation. The backstop is a measure accepted by the EU to protect against a hard border and any type of physical checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland, as part of the UK's divorce agreement.
05 February 2019
Nursing Strikes Continue Due To Lack Of Govt Engagement
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has launched a second day of strike action across the State following an unsatisfactory response from the government. Industrial action resumed today, Tuesday 05 February at 8am, with picket lines excepted to remain busy until around 4pm.
Nursing Strikes Continue Due To Lack Of Govt Engagement
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has launched a second day of strike action across the State following an unsatisfactory response from the government. Industrial action resumed today, Tuesday 05 February at 8am, with picket lines excepted to remain busy until around 4pm.
01 July 2008
Dept Of Family Affairs Spared From Spending Cuts
The Minister of Social and Family Affairs has said her Department will not be affected by the Government's extensive spending cuts.
Dept Of Family Affairs Spared From Spending Cuts
The Minister of Social and Family Affairs has said her Department will not be affected by the Government's extensive spending cuts.
03 June 2008
€4.3 Million Airstrip For Island Of 200
Inishbofin island is to get air links for the first time, 20 years after it was first proposed. The airstrip is to be built near Clifden, Co Galway ensuring flights in and out of the island, home to 200 residents, 9km off the north Connemara coast. Eamon O’Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, agreed funding worth €4.
€4.3 Million Airstrip For Island Of 200
Inishbofin island is to get air links for the first time, 20 years after it was first proposed. The airstrip is to be built near Clifden, Co Galway ensuring flights in and out of the island, home to 200 residents, 9km off the north Connemara coast. Eamon O’Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, agreed funding worth €4.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
