News

Dublin government reveals details of Brexit ‘civic dialogue'

The first meeting of the 'all-island civic dialogue' will take place in Dublin on November 2
The first meeting of the 'all-island civic dialogue' will take place in Dublin on November 2 The first meeting of the 'all-island civic dialogue' will take place in Dublin on November 2

THE Dublin government has announced details of an 'all-island civic dialogue' that will examine the implications of Brexit.

An initial meeting, hosted by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan, will take place in Dublin on November 2.

While the civic dialogue appears aimed primarily at the likes of churches, trade unions, business groups and non-governmental organisations, the main political parties on both sides of the border are to be asked to take part.

When the idea of a similar all-Ireland forum on Brexit was first floated by the taioseach in the wake of June's EU referendum vote, DUP First Minister Arlene Foster rejected the plan outright.

Earlier this week, DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson criticised Mr Kenny for pushing ahead with the plan, suggesting it was driven by party political considerations.

News of the establishment of the 'civic dialogue' – which appears deliberately branded to avoid use of the word 'forum' – comes after British Prime Minister Theresa May announced that she intends to trigger Article 50 by March next year.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Kenny said the initiative was part of an intensification of his government's response to Brexit.

The taoiseach reaffirmed that the priorities of the Republic's government were the economy and trade, the peace process and the north, the common travel area and the future of the EU itself.

"Now that we have clarity from Prime Minister May regarding the timetable, we will intensify our engagement and preparation for the negotiations," he said.

"Ireland faces unique challenges from Brexit, not least given the all-island issues that arise."

He said he would continue to engage with the north's party leaders and welcomed the commitment of the executive parties to working through the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which will meet in Armagh a fortnight after the first civic dialogue meeting.

The civic dialogue will ultimately produce a report and recommendations that will be used to help inform the Dublin government's position on issues related to the UK’s exit negotiations.