Very Narrow Window Of Opportunity When It Comes To Talks On Northern Ireland Protocol

Tuesday, 21 February 2023 at 11:45

A midlands minister says that it's important to give the negotiating teams space.

There's a 'very narrow window of opportunity' when it comes to talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

That's according to Junior European Affairs Minister and Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke, who's speaking in Brussels ahead of an EU General Affairs council meeting.

He says this is a sensitive time in terms of the talks and that it’s important to give the negotiating teams space.

Minister Burke says we can't have the future of the European landscape dominated by Brexit:

The European Affairs Minister says the commentary around a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol needs to be "de-dramatised".

Talks are continuing between the UK and the EU to try to strike a final agreement on the post-Brexit trading arrangements for the North.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was unable to present a deal to his cabinet earlier.

Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke says he has "full confidence" in the EU's Chief Brexit Negotiator, Maros Sefcovic - who he's meeting in Brussels today - to find a deal that works for all: