Department of Finance of Ireland : Minister Noonan statement on visit by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond

Minister Noonan statement on visit by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond

The Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. welcomed the U. K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond to the Department of Finance today where they had a warm and constructive meeting. The U.K. and Ireland enjoy a very strong relationship not least in terms of trade between the two economies.

Speaking after the meeting the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. said

'Chancellor Hammond and I engaged constructively on Ireland's enduring relationship with the U.K. and on the many areas of common interest that our two countries share. We will continue to keep in regular contact throughout the coming year and beyond.'

'Ireland has a strong and unequivocal position on what Brexit means for Ireland and how we intend to deal with that. Ireland remains a committed EU Member State and will be part of the EU 27 team for the forthcoming negotiations. The Government's headline priorities remain: the economy, Northern Ireland, the Common Travel Area and the future of the EU itself. In particular, we would like to see a seamless border between Ireland and the UK especially with Northern Ireland. '

ENDS

09 January 2017

For Further Information:

David Byrne, Press [e-mail] [phone]

Notes for Editors

Chancellor Hammond issued a short statement and we can provide that statement to all who would like to access that.